Putin Signs Bill to Suspend Arms Pact with U.S.

RUSSIA – Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill, Tuesday, formally suspending the last remaining nuclear arms treaty with the United States.

Last week, Putin declared in his state-of-the-nation address that Moscow was suspending its participation in the 2010 New Start Treaty, charging that Russia can’t accept U.S. inspections of its nuclear sites at a time when Washington and its NATO allies have openly declared Russia’s defeat in Ukraine as their goal.

On Monday, a top U.S. arms control official strongly criticized the move by Russia but noted that Washington will try to work with Moscow to continue its implementation.