The Trump Administration has set a deadline for Moscow to comply with a landmark nuclear treaty. The White House warned that the US could abandon the decades-old pact if Moscow doesn't comply. The US claims Russia is guilty of violating the Cold War era deal - allegations Moscow denies. CGTN's Jack Parrock explains.

The US says it will no longer put up with Russian claims that Moscow hasn't developed a new intermediate range missile system -- banned under the terms of a 1987 nuclear pact between the nations.

MIKE POMPEO US SECRETARY OF STATE "The United States today declares it has found Russia in material breach of the treaty and will suspend our obligations as a remedy effective in 60 days, unless Russia returns to full and verifiable compliance."

It's a move set to intensify tensions between Russia and the United States.

JACK PARROCK BRUSSELS "NATO alliance members agree that Russia frequently violates the 30-year-old Cold War pact between Washington and Moscow to completely remove intermediate-range nuclear missiles from their arsenals."

They say it's now down to Russia to save the deal by proving it's not in breach. NATO ministers also discussed the confrontations in the Azov Sea more than a week ago. Russia is still holding 24 Ukrainian soldiers captive after a military clash between Navies. Ukrainian and Georgian ministers were welcomed to NATO HQ during this meeting as a show of support for the former Soviet states - a move which won't be appreciated in Moscow. NATO ships have spent 120 days patrolling the Black Sea this year but Ukraine is asking for more what it's calling a 'comprehensive answer' to Russian aggression. And there are some here in Europe calling for action.

AMANDA PAUL EUROPEAN POLICY CENTER "Either NATO or individual member states could give Ukraine more equipment to be able to defend itself. I mean high level equipment, for example anti-ship missiles could be put on the land. This would send a strong signal to the Russians."

Russia accuses Ukraine of provocation for the clashes in the Azov Sea saying the shots it fired at Ukrainian ships were 'retaliation'. For now, NATO isn't going further than strong statements against Russia. Any shift in military strategy would require the assent of U.S. President Trump who has a complex relationship with Moscow. Jack Parrock, CGTN, Brussels.