Russia declares putting laser weapons into service in reply to US ultimatum of withdrawing from INF Treaty

Moscow – The United States has delivered an ultimatum to Russia in which it has assigned a 60-day period to it to comply with the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). However, Russia declared of putting its laser weapons into service in response to the US threat. It also claims that the laser weapons system can be used to destroy enemy missiles, planes and military bases.

Two days ago, the Russian Defence Ministry’s official newspaper informed about the deployment of ‘Peresvet’ laser weapons system. The deployment of the laser system was completed at a Russian military base last Saturday. Nevertheless, the Russian military was armed with the laser system last year itself, but the system was now ready for combat, informed the Defence Ministry newspaper. The laser system, Russia claims is capable of neutralising a target in under a second. Video footage which showcases the testing of the laser weapons was also published.

While delivering the address to the Federal Assembly in March this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin had unveiled and declared of developing advanced weaponry such as nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), nuclear-powered and underwater drones, cruise missiles, etc. Putin had disclosed about ‘Peresvet’ during the address without a direct mention of the weapon. ‘We have achieved significant progress in laser weapons. It is not just a concept or plan anymore. Since last year, our troops have been armed with laser weapons. I do not want to reveal more details. It is not the time yet,’ Putin had said.

After that, Russia had not disclosed any information on Peresvet. On Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, during the NATO conference at Brussels, issued a severe warning to Russia with regard to the INF Treaty. Pompeo alleged that Russia was purposefully developing and testing nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles in violation of the treaty. Also, if Russia did not comply with the INF Treaty in 60 days, the US would step out of the nuclear arms agreement and take further action, Pompeo warned.

Russia had rebuffed the allegation and reprimanded the US to examine the mentioned weapons testing site. Albeit, Russia appears to have given a strict warning to the US over its 60-day ultimatum with the announcement of the laser weapons deployment. Even in the past, Russia has rejected all warnings from the US. Moreover, the Russian political leaders have warned the US by indicating that the country had proved, it bore the capacity to face the US over Syria and Ukraine crisis at the same time.

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