The INF Treaty collapse has worsened tensions between the United States and Russia. Learn how recent actions by both sides are fueling global concerns about nuclear threats and diplomacy.
INF Treaty Withdrawal Sparks New Tensions
The INF Treaty once helped keep peace between the United States and Russia. But recent events have changed that. The US president attempted to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He used pressure tactics, including threats. Trump said he moved U.S. nuclear submarines close to Russia. Russia quickly rejected this move and ignored his warning.
Russia Rejects Nuclear Threats from the U.S.
The Kremlin responded strongly to Trump’s threats. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, said nuclear talk must be handled carefully. He said the world should not take Trump’s statements seriously. He added that U.S. submarines are always ready for war. So, the move was not surprising.
Trump made these comments after Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president, warned about the risk of a nuclear clash. Trump claimed he had already ordered two submarines to move. He also repeated his promise to stop the Russia-Ukraine war if he returned to power.
Kremlin Asks for Caution in Nuclear Talks
Peskov said Russia would not engage in arguments about Trump’s words. He asked all countries to be careful while discussing nuclear weapons. He explained that the issue is serious but would not cause a major conflict.
When asked if Trump reacted to Medvedev, Peskov avoided answering directly. He said every country has leaders with different opinions. He stressed that only President Putin controls Russia’s foreign policy.
INF Treaty Falls Victim to Political Pressures
Ties between the U.S. and Russia have been weak since Russia entered Ukraine in February 2022. After Trump came back to office, there was some hope for peace. The US plans to impose tariffs and sanctions on Russia if it does not consent to a ceasefire by August 8th.
Trump also targeted Russia’s trade allies. He warned India and China, especially. U.S. citizens have to pay 25% extra to buy Indian products from August 7th, 2025, due to extra tariffs. This action could disrupt current trade negotiations between the United States and India. He also warned India not to buy oil and weapons from Russia, blaming them for breaking sanctions.
INF Treaty Ends After Submarine Threat—Russia Gives Reasons for Leaving INF Treaty
The situation became worse when Trump ordered nuclear submarines to surround Russia. Russia saw this as a serious threat. The Kremlin said that while it may not match U.S. land power, it had strong submarines. Then, Russia made a bold move. This step ended the nation’s agreements and responsibilities under the INF Treaty.
The INF Treaty, known as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, was established in 1987. It stopped both nations from testing or using medium-range nuclear weapons. Russia had respected the treaty for years. Even during the war in Ukraine, Russia did not test such weapons. But Trump’s actions changed that. Now, Russia has left the treaty and is free to test and build new weapons.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry released a statement. It said the reasons to follow the INF Treaty no longer exist. It added that Russia would not obey the old restrictions anymore. Medvedev blamed NATO for the situation. He said NATO broke the balance and caused the treaty’s failure. Russia also said it would take more steps in response to U.S. pressure.
Conclusion: What the INF Treaty Exit Means for the World
The end of the INF Treaty is a major step backward. It shows that trust between Russia and the U.S. is fading. Trump’s aggressive moves and Russia’s strong replies have made things worse. The threat of nuclear tests is back. At this moment, the globe needs to rely on thoughtful discussions and non-violent resolutions.
