US warns Russia over ‘breach’ of nuclear treaty

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday warned Russia against its alleged violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, giving Moscow 60 days to comply with the treaty.

"The United States today declares it has found Russia in material breach of the treaty and will suspend our obligations as a remedy effective in 60 days unless Russia returns full and verifiable compliance," Pompeo told reporters after a NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels.

"We must confront Russian cheating on its arms control obligations," he said.

Pompeo said that the U.S. remains "hopeful" and added "there are relations that Russia can get on a better footing."

"The burden falls on Russia to make the necessary changes, only they can save this treaty," he added.

"If Russia admits its violations and fully and verifiably comes back into compliance we will, of course, welcome this course of action," he added.

His remarks came after NATO called on Russia to return to full compliance with the treaty.