Russia - Q&A - From the Press Briefing (26 September 2019)

Q: According to Russian media reports, Vladimir Putin proposed to the leaders of several dozen countries, including the members of NATO, that a moratorium be imposed on the deployment of short- and medium-range missiles in Europe. Has France received this proposal? What is your position on this issue?

A: We are examining Russia’s proposals on this very important issue.

Our position on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) is well known. We regret that no solution could be found to keep that treaty in force. The INF treaty was a fundamental part of Europeans’ security.

It is essential for us to consider, together, the conditions that will enable us to restore strategic stability in Europe through a dialogue on multilateral instruments and forums. That includes the question of the future of arms control in the context of the end of the INF treaty, and the discussion on extending the New START Treaty.

That was in fact the message conveyed by the minister and the armed forces minister in Moscow on 9 September.