Belarus’ parliament votes to leave Europe’s conventional forces treaty already abandoned by Russia

By YURAS KARMANAU
Associated Press

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — The Belarusian parliament has voted to suspend the country’s participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty that once was a key security doctrine for the continent. The treaty was already abandoned last year by Russia. Wednesday’s move could pave the way for Belarus — Russia’s ally in the war in Ukraine — to expand its military. The treaty, which was signed in 1990, placed limits on tanks, combat vehicles, warplanes and heavy artillery that can be deployed in Europe. Its aim was to keep a military balance between the West and the countries that were part of the Cold War-era Warsaw Pact. NATO countries that were part of the treaty have also suspended their participation.