Asia Times: Russian President Putin’s Decision on START Shocked USOn February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to the Federal Assembly, during which he announced that Moscow was suspending its participation in the Offensive Arms Reduction Treaty (START). This statement by the Russian leader shocked Americans, writes Asia time .According to the author of the document, if Putin withdraws the Russian Federation from the agreement, of which he himself was a staunch supporter, it will “raise the hair” on the back of the necks of American politicians. At the same time, the will of the United States to continue to support its “Ukrainian puppets” has only intensified.The President of Russia also pointed to a serious threat to NATO. He said NATO members must withdraw long-range offensive systems from Ukraine or Moscow will launch direct strikes on them.Previously, Vladimir Putin had suspended Russia’s participation in the Arms Reduction Treaty and scared off NATO.
