Disagreements and treaties define Russia’s history, with most of them being abandoned or violated. From security pacts to trade agreements, Moscow has made attempts at numerous commitments but rarely sees them through, especially when they are no longer useful. This, understandably, has provoked global concern, especially when observing Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Analyzing Russia’s historical disregard for abiding by its international promises explains how manipulative Russia’s foreign relations are, as well as helps clarify the hostility and uneasiness many nations have towards its commitments.
Soviet-Era Treaty Violations
The Soviet Union is notorious for having entered into multiple treaties with Western countries during the Cold War, many of which were immediately used as toilet paper by the Soviet Union. Arguably the most famous one would be the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact signed in 1939, which was a non aggression bid by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Even so, Germany attacked the USSR in 1941, further adding to my argument that alliances and treaties made with autocracies are flimsy at best.
The Soviet Union also agreed to the Helsinki Accords which were designed in 1975 to normalize relations between the Soviet Union and the West. Although the USSR agreed to adhere to basic human rights and a country’s right to sovereignty, it went on to ignore and actively suppress dissentive politics and hold military reigns over Eastern European countries such as their brutal invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
Post Soviet Violations of Treaties
The Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991 meant that Russia inherited several of the previously negotiated diplomatic treaties by the Soviet Union. However, Moscow continued to disregard those whenever it suited them. A clear case of this would be the Budapest Memorandum from 1994, whereby Ukraine was guaranteed sovereignty by Russia, the U.S, and Britain, and in return, Ukraine had to forfeit its nuclear arsenal. Russia annexing Crimea in 2014 breached this agreement and proved that the claims made by Russia around security were futile.
Another case in point is Russia withdrawing from the CFE (Conventional Forces in Europe) treaty in 2007. Not only did this treaty aim at preventing a military arms race in Europe, but Russia also suspended participation because NATO’s expansion was seen to justify it. This further eroded credence in Moscow endorsing international treaties and agreements.
Russia’s Further Violating Actions
Going forward, these actions have only reinforced Russia’s image of being an untrustworthy state. In 2019 when the US accused Russia of breaching the INF treaty by deploying banned missile systems, the US promptly withdrew. Russia then in 2023 suspended participating in the New START treaty which sent waves of concern around global security.
The most significant breach of international law in the last few years is undoubtedly the Russian Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This Russian aggression was not only a breach of The Budapest Memorandum, but also contravened a number of the ceasefire agreements that were part of the Minsk Accords aimed at peacefully resolving the eastern Ukraine conflict. Rather, Russia intensified its military hostilities, demonstrating its refusal to abide by any promises made by the state.
Conclusion
Trusting Russia’s international commitments has become incredibly difficult because of the nation’s inter-temporal lack of adherence to agreements. Whether it is Cold War treaties or contemporary security agreements, Moscow has systematically shed obligations when they are no longer beneficial for its geopolitical designs. During the protracted conflict in Ukraine, world leaders are becoming increasingly more reserved in their willingness to consider any peace arrangements involving Russia, as such arrangements have a grim track record of fulfillment.