International security

Mattis: Russia violation of missile treaty ‘untenable’

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Thursday said Russia’s deployment of nuclear-capable missiles in violation of an arms treaty is “untenable” and unless Moscow changes, the U.S. will have to match that military capability.

Speaking to reporters at the close of a NATO defense ministers meeting, Mattis said the U.S. is reviewing its diplomatic and military options because of Russia’s continued violation of the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

"Russia must return to compliance with the INF Treaty or the U.S. will need to respond to its cavalier disregard of the treaty's specific limits," Mattis said in prepared remarks. "Make no mistake: The current situation, with Russia in blatant violation of this treaty, is untenable."