Russia’s deputy foreign minister described the latest turn in the Convention on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) as a decisive moment, calling it the “last straw” in Moscow’s assessment of the treaty. The statement was reported by the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official website, signaling a formal shift in Russia’s stance toward the CFE framework.
The deputy minister argued that Finland’s accession to NATO complicates the security landscape in northern Europe. Finland is not a state party to the CFE Treaty, yet its geographic position places portions of Russian territory within the treaty’s area of application. He contended that the deployment of conventional forces from third states into Finland, coupled with Sweden’s ongoing accession proceedings to join the alliance, disrupts what he described as a stable balance of conventional armed forces in the region.
According to the official, these developments create conditions that make Russia’s withdrawal from the CFE an inevitable consequence. He framed the move as a response to structural changes in the European security architecture rather than a step designed to renegotiate terms within the existing agreement.
The diplomat further noted that, from a legal perspective, Russia would be freed from its obligations under the CFE once withdrawal is completed. In practical terms, he argued, the treaty’s existing suspension would limit any immediate operational impact on the treaty’s day-to-day arrangements, even though formal commitments would no longer bind Moscow.
Earlier, the Russian side had suggested that the evolving security environment, including the roles of NATO members and adjacent states, could prompt a reassessment of its position on the CFE Treaty. The discussion underscored a broader argument about regional balance and the potential need to adapt conventional force controls in response to new security realities.
Observers note that the decision to reconsider participation in the CFE Treaty reflects tensions between efforts to preserve arms-control norms and reactions to rapid strategic shifts in northern Europe. The dialogue emphasizes how changes in alliance dynamics and regional deployments can influence treaty interpretations and compliance expectations, even when formal commitments are paused or suspended.