Russia Abandons INF Treaty, Escalates Nuclear Missile Deployment

Under President Donald Trump's administration, the United States formally withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, citing Russian violations, leading Russia to also abandon the treaty and declare it no longer bound by its terms due to NATO's actions and U.S. missile deployments in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. This escalation has resulted in a deterioration of U.S.-Russia relations, with Trump setting a deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or face severe economic sanctions, including a 100% tariff on oil exports. In response to escalating tensions and verbal exchanges with Russian officials, Trump redeployed U.S. nuclear submarines, prompting Russia and China to conduct joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, signaling deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing. Additionally, a trilateral alliance among China, Russia, and India is perceived as a significant strategic challenge to U.S. global influence, with fears rising over a potential World War III scenario due to increasing geopolitical hostilities. Analysts note that key Russian figures like Dmitry Medvedev have made provocative statements, but some experts dismiss their influence within Russian politics as limited. These developments illustrate a complex and volatile international security environment marked by renewed nuclear threats and shifting alliances.