Mattis cites Putin for ‘duplicitous’ actions on missile pact
Posted December 1, 2018 12:40 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
WASHINGTON — Defence Secrertary Jim Mattis is accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of “duplicitous violation” of a Cold War-era arms treaty and condemning Russian actions in a naval confrontation last weekend with Ukraine.
Mattis made his remarks Saturday at the Reagan National Defence Forum in Simi Valley, California.
In a speech, Mattis put the blame on Russia for a breakdown in support for the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. He says Russia is violating the accord’s terms, although he did not mention the Trump administration’s threat to withdraw from it.
Later in a question-and-answer session, Mattis said Putin’s actions are creating international animosity toward Russia.
Robert Burns, The Associated Press
