Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, during his speech to the Russian federal assembly, said that Russia has suspended participation in the Treaty on Strategic Offensive Weapons and is also ready to test nuclear weapons.
"There is no connection between the problems of the SNO and the conflict in Ukraine and other hostile actions of the West. Just as there are no loud statements that they want to inflict a strategic defeat on us. But this is either the height of hypocrisy and cynicism, or the height of stupidity. But you cannot call them idiots, they are not stupid people. They want to inflict a strategic defeat on us and are climbing on our nuclear facilities. In this regard, I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation in the Treaty on Strategic Offensive Weapons," Putin said.
He said that Russia is not leaving, but rather stopping it.
"If the USA conducts tests, we will conduct them as well," Putin emphasized.
The Treaty on SNO-3 is the last agreement between Russia and the United States on the reduction of nuclear weapons.
Putin also said that in case of supplying long-range weapons to Ukraine, Russia will be "forced to push the threat away from its borders."