
MOSCOW, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday asked the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to jointly de-escalate the situation in Europe since the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty has terminated.
In a statement published by the Kremlin, Putin criticized the U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty last year, which led to the collapse of the pact, increasing the risk of an arms race and intensifying Russia-NATO confrontation.
"Active efforts are required to reduce the deficit of confidence, strengthen regional and global stability, as well as lower the risks arising from misunderstandings and disagreements in the field of missile weapons," he said.
Putin reaffirmed "Russia's adherence to its earlier announced moratorium on the deployment of land-based INF until American-made missiles of similar classes appear."
He called on NATO countries to declare a similar moratorium as Russia did.
"We are ready to take further steps to minimize the negative consequences of the collapse of the INF Treaty based on the principles of equal and indivisible security as well as balanced consideration of all parties' interests," Putin said.
The Russian leader proposed mutual verification measures regarding the Aegis Ashore systems with Mk-41 launchers at U.S. and NATO bases in Europe, as well as 9M729 missiles in Russia's Kaliningrad region.
He said Russia is ready to refrain from deploying 9M729 missiles in the European part of the country, only if NATO countries take reciprocal steps, excluding the deployment in Europe of weapons previously prohibited by the INF Treaty.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses