Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Global Implications

Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty

Why in the News?

Russia officially announced its exit from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, marking a pivotal moment in the dismantling of Cold War-era nuclear arms control architecture.

What is the INF Treaty?

  • Signed In: 1987 by United States President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
  • Purpose: Banned ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.
  • Impact: Led to the elimination of 2,692 missiles by June 1, 1991.
  • Verification: Allowed on-site inspections, setting a benchmark for arms control agreements.
  • Scope: Covered both nuclear and conventional missile systems.
  • Significance: Became a key pillar of post-Cold War strategic stability.

Why did Russia exit the Treaty?

Implications:

  • Collapse of Arms Control: Removes a pillar of nuclear restraint.
  • Resurgence of Arms Race: Possible missile deployments in Europe & Asia-Pacific.
  • Regional Threats: NATO countries & East Asia more vulnerable.
  • Proliferation Risk: May embolden China, India, and others.
[UPSC 2011] The “New START” treaty was in the news. What is this treaty?

(a) It is a bilateral strategic nuclear arms reduction treaty between the USA and the Russian Federation.*

(b) It is a multilateral energy security cooperation treaty among the members of the East Asia Summit.

(c) It is a treaty between the Russian Federation and the European Union for energy security cooperation.

(d) It is a multilateral cooperation treaty among the BRICS countries for the promotion of trade.

 

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