Legislators vote to suspend arms pact
Russia’s lower house of parliament voted unanimously to suspend a key arms treaty limiting conventional forces in Europe, saying the United States and NATO were using the pact to undermine Russia’s defenses.
Ignoring appeals from the United States, the State Duma approved a law allowing Moscow to halt compliance with the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty, seen by the West as a cornerstone of European security. The suspension will take effect Dec. 12.
Russia’s move comes after months of sparring with the United States and European Union over plans for a missile defense shield and proposed independence for Serbia’s breakaway Kosovo province.
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