US general says Russia has deployed banned missile

A senior US general accuses Russia of deploying a land-based cruise missile in violation of “the spirit and intent” of a nuclear arms treaty and charges that Moscow’s intention is to threaten US facilities in Europe and the NATO alliance.

“We believe that the Russians have deliberately deployed it in order to pose a threat to NATO and to facilities within the NATO area of responsibility,” Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, tells a House Armed Services Committee hearing.

Selva says he sees no indication that Moscow intends to return to compliance with the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which bans an entire class of weapons — all land-based cruise missiles with a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers (310 and 3,410 miles). The treaty was a landmark in arms control in the final years of the Cold War.

Selva’s accusation takes on added political significance in light of President Donald Trump’s stated goal of improving relations with Russia even as Moscow is perceived by US allies in Europe as a military threat of growing urgency. The alleged treaty violation comes amid multiple congressional investigations of alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. The FBI also is probing ties between Russia and Trump associates during the campaign.

— AP