The Polish Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned Russia’s recent decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). In an official statement issued on Friday, the ministry expressed deep concern over Russia’s action, stating that it has dealt a significant blow to Europe’s security architecture and the principles of international law.
The North Atlantic Council of NATO has also voiced its criticism of Russia’s withdrawal, denouncing it as the latest in a series of deliberate moves by Moscow to destabilize security in the Euro-Atlantic region.
Originally signed in 1990 in Paris by 16 NATO member states and six nations from the former Warsaw Pact, the CFE treaty established limits on conventional military assets, including tanks, artillery, and aircraft, within the region spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ural Mountains. The treaty underwent modifications in 1999 to adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics.
Russia had already ceased adhering to the treaty’s provisions since July 2007 and had been absent from the consultative body overseeing its implementation since 2015. However, the formal withdrawal announcement by Russia has brought renewed attention and concern regarding the future of arms control and stability in Europe.
The Polish Foreign Ministry’s condemnation underscores the gravity of Russia’s decision, emphasizing the detrimental impact on regional security and the erosion of international norms. It remains to be seen how this development will shape the ongoing dialogue between Russia and NATO, as well as its implications for broader global security concerns.