Russian President Vladimir Putin is warning the U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty could spark an unrestrained arm race.
Putin said on Monday that Moscow would be forced to start developing intermediate-and shorter-range missiles if it's confident that Washington has launched the production of it own weapons.
But he also said Russia is ready to resume full-fledged negotiations on strategic stability and security anytime.
The U.S. formally left the accord last Friday after determining Moscow was violating the treaty.