"Allies condemn Russia's decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), and its war of aggression against Ukraine which is contrary to the Treaty's objectives," the Western military alliance said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Russia's withdrawal is the latest in a series of actions that systematically undermines Euro-Atlantic security," it added.
The statement also said that "Russia continues to demonstrate disregard for arms control, including key principles of reciprocity, transparency, compliance, verification, and host nation consent, and undermines the rules based international order."
"Therefore, as a consequence, Allied States Parties intend to suspend the operation of the CFE Treaty for as long as necessary, in accordance with their rights under international law," the statement added. "This is a decision fully supported by all NATO Allies."
Earlier on Tuesday, Russia formally withdrew from this landmark security treaty, which limited key categories of conventional armed forces, the Reuters news agency reported.
The Polish foreign ministry said: "Poland shall take formal steps to suspend the CFE Treaty indefinitely and in its entirety, in respect to all of its provisions."
It added: "This means that the Republic of Poland will not be legally or practically obliged to fulfil the provisions of the CFE Treaty, including those relating to limitations for the Polish Armed Forces."
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.
Tuesday is day 622 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP, nato.int, gov.pl
