"The US decision to withdraw from the INF is regrettable. The signing of this treaty in 1987 signalled the start of a big thaw in US-Russian ties. It was a milestone in ending the Cold War", she said.
Its suspension may unleash a new nuclear arms race, Kneissl warned in a statement. She urged the two to re-engage in a dialogue to resolve mutual claims of treaty violations.
"Lack of mutual trust has led to persistent accusations of treaty violations that could not be efficiently resolved. The US and Russia must work harder. The aim of the dialogue should obviously be to preserve the INF", she added.
READ MORE: 'INF Treaty is More Important Than US-Russia Bilateral Relations' — Scholar
Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom echoed Austria’s concerns, saying Moscow and Washington should look for another way out of the crisis, which she blamed on Russia.
Deeply concerned by the state of nuclear arms control after US announcement to suspend the INF. Fundamental cause is Russia’s non-compliance. Trend of less cooperation on disarmament must be reversed and new ways forward explored. Joint responsibility to avoid nuclear arms race
— Margot Wallström (@margotwallstrom) 1 февраля 2019 г.
Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the United States will suspend its obligations under the INF treaty on February 2 and will begin the six-month withdrawal process unless Russia comes back into compliance in that period.
