Russia withdraws from INF Treaty

The Federation Council approved a law on the suspension by Russia of the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (INF) at a meeting held on Wednesday, Report informs citing the RIA Novosti.

The draft was submitted to President Vladimir Putin on signing.

Notably, bill on withdrawal of Russia from INF Treaty by Russia was introduced in Parliament by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Under the bill, the head of state is granted the right to make decisions on the resumption of the INF Treaty. Washington began the withdrawal procedure on February 2.

Notably, US President Donald Trump announced in October that his country intended to withdraw from the INF Treaty over Russia's alleged violations of the agreement. Washington said it would terminate this procedure if Russia agreed to be compliant with the pact. Moscow responded by suspending its participation in the treaty as well.