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Statement By SASC Chairman John McCain on Russia's Deployment of Cruise Missiles in Violation of INF Treaty

Statement

Date: Feb. 14, 2017
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense Foreign Affairs

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on Russia's deployment of nuclear-tipped ground-launched cruise missiles in violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty:

"As Vladimir Putin continues his testing of the new administration, Russia's deployment of nuclear-tipped ground-launched cruise missiles in violation of the INF Treaty is a significant military threat to U.S. forces in Europe and our NATO allies. Congress has made clear in the last two defense authorization bills that Russia's treaty violation requires a meaningful response. In light of the most recent developments, it is time for the new administration to take immediate action to enhance our deterrent posture in Europe and protect our allies. More broadly, we must continue the ongoing modernization of U.S. nuclear forces and ensure that NATO's nuclear deterrence forces are survivable, well-exercised, and increasingly ready to counter Russian nuclear doctrine, which calls for the first use of nuclear weapons."


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