The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, perhaps the most infamous arms control accord of the Cold War era, is now 60 days from dying a slow and agonizing death. After browbeating the Russian government to address allegations of noncompliance and return to the limits set forth in the treaty, U.S. officials have finally decided it would be best to leave the treaty altogether.

“The United States has fully adhered to the INF Treaty for more than 30 years,” President Trump wrote, “but we will not remain constrained by its terms while Russia misrepresents its actions.” The Russians, in Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s words, simply refuse to acknowledge that they are even doing anything wrong or violating their commitments in any way. “We have raised Russia’s noncompliance with Russian officials, including at the highest levels of government, more than 30 times, yet Russia continues to deny that its missile system is noncompliant and violates the treaty,” Pompeo remarked at the State Department.