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WASHINGTON, D.C.–The United States is suspending a nuclear arms deal with Russia in response to Russia’s resumption of ground testing nuclear missiles. Former Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar, said he believes Pres. Trump is making a mistake.

“President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty is gravely misguided. Withdrawing will not make us safer, it will rob us of leverage essential to our own security and power,” said Lugar, in a statement from the Lugar center.

“It will foolishly play into the hands of Russian propagandists by focusing global attention on our rejection of the treaty instead of Russian violations. And it will make the world a more dangerous place.”

He said the Russian violation of the treaty should be taken seriously.

LINK: The Lugar Center Article

“But withdrawing from the treaty will not force Moscow into compliance. Just the opposite will occur. We will open the door to a renewed Russian build-up of intermediate range nuclear weapons. That would pose a far greater strategic threat to us and our allies than this violation, which gives Russia no military advantage,” he said.

PHOTO: Abdul-Hakim Shabazz/Emmis