MOSCOW, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia will be able to cope with new challenges to its security after the dismantling of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty at the U.S. initiative, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Monday.
"Amid the new threats generated by the United States, we of course will take comprehensive measures to ensure our own security," Ryabkov said at a news briefing.
Ryabkov urged Washington to show responsibility and follow the example of Russia to abandon the deployment of medium- and shorter-range missiles, which the Pentagon has talked about.
He said Russia will not deploy medium- and shorter-range ground-based missiles in Europe or in other regions until U.S. weapons of these kinds appear there.
Ryabkov said Russia is still open to equal and constructive dialogue with the United States on the INF Treaty and other strategic stability issues based on mutual respect and mutual consideration of interests.
The consultation process between Russia and the United States on arms control issues with an emphasis on their nuclear missile components, which resumed on July 17 in Geneva, should be continued, Ryabkov said.
Russia and the United States on Friday formally withdrew from the INF Treaty after accusing each other of violating the landmark arms control deal.
The treaty was signed in 1987 between the former Soviet Union and the United States on the elimination of ground-based medium- and shorter-range missiles.
Russia and the United States should now concentrate on preserving what remains of the international arms control architecture, primarily the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, Ryabkov said.
If this agreement is not extended beyond Feb. 5, 2021, it would be an even more severe blow to the international security system when it expires, he warned.
