国际英语资讯:Russia to suspend INF Treaty after U.S. pulls out_时事

国际英语资讯:Russia to suspend INF Treaty after U.S. pulls out

"They announced that they (the United States) are engaged in research and development work, and we will do the same," Putin said.

The president requested more information on the execution of Russia's state defense programs, including the Dagger hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile, the Peresvet combat laser systems, the newest Avangard hypersonic missile defense system and the Sarmat missile.

He also noted that some countries are starting to deploy weapons in space, saying that it is necessary to come up with certain plans to counter this "possible threat."

Despite the retaliatory measures, Russia will not be dragged into an arms race, Putin said.

"I want to draw your attention to the fact that we should not and will not be drawn into an expensive arms race," he told the ministers.

Russia would not deploy medium- and shorter-range missiles in any region as long as the United States avoids doing this in respective regions, he added.

Meanwhile, Putin asked the ministers not to initiate any negotiations on the arms control issue and wait until Washington is ready to engage in dialogue.

"All our proposals, as before, in this area remain on the table. The door for negotiations is open," Putin said. "Let us wait until our partners are ready to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this crucial topic -- both for us and for our partners, and for the whole world."