Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative that Russia’s 9M729 missile does not violate the INF Treaty, that the US is fully responsible for the demise of the Treaty, and that Russia is interested in dialogue about the Treaty but the US is not.

The INF (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces) Treaty, signed in 1987, prohibits the US and Russia from possessing, producing or test-flying ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5500 kilometers.

In July 2014 the then-US President Obama  officially accused Russia of testing a missile in violation of the INF Treaty. In March 2017, a senior US military official accused Russia of deploying the new missile, which posed a threat to NATO and to facilities within the NATO area of responsibility.

The US  has gathered detailed information on Russia’s flight-testing of  the 9M792 missile to distances well over 500 kilometers. The US has provided Moscow with substantial information about the 9M729’s violations, including geographic coordinates and dates for the tests, but Russia continues to deny any wrongdoing.

The US has spent almost six years in dialogues with Russia to try to resolve Russia’s non-compliance, raising the issue in numerous meetings, including at the highest levels as well as in meetings of technical experts. However, Russia consistently refused to address US and NATO concerns.

See here for more background information.

.