U.S. withdraws from ABM Treaty

The withdrawal of the United States from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty marked a pivotal shift in U.S. defense policy and international relations. The ABM Treaty, established in 1972, was a cornerstone of strategic arms control, aimed at limiting the deployment of missile defense systems that could undermine the balance of nuclear deterrence. The U.S. decision to exit the treaty was primarily driven by the desire to develop a missile defense system capable of intercepting and destroying incoming ballistic missiles. This move was seen as a response to emerging threats, particularly from rogue states and terrorist organizations, and was intended to enhance national security. However, the decision was met with significant criticism from various international actors, notably Russia, which viewed the withdrawal as a destabilizing factor in global security dynamics. Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized the U.S. exit as a mistake, indicating concerns over a potential arms race and the erosion of mutual trust between nuclear powers.