Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov rejected the US request to extend the New Start nuclear arms control treaty.
The US and Russia have signed an agreement called New Start on the control of nuclear weapons, but Russia is refusing to extend the agreement based on reservations.
According to the report, the United States wants to extend the New Start agreement in any case so that the Trump government can get a large number of public support in the upcoming elections, but the Moscow government rejected the American request to extend the agreement.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the extension of the agreement is unacceptable, there are restrictions on the US stock of nuclear weapons and we do not accept their position.
In recent days, US negotiator Michelle Billings Lee claimed that Russia is ready to extend the agreement and we want the Moscow government to be ready to limit its nuclear weapons.
In response to this statement, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister severely criticized the Trump administration and said that we reject agreements and compromises related to the American elections.
It should be noted that in 2010, the New Start agreement was signed between the US and Russia under which both countries agreed to reduce the number of their strategic nuclear weapons from 1550 to a maximum of 700.
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**Interview with Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister**
**Interview with Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Ryabkov. Recently, you’ve stated that Russia will not extend the New Start treaty. Can you elaborate on the reasons for this rejection?
**Ryabkov:** Thank you for having me. Our stance is grounded in significant concerns regarding the limitations imposed on Russian nuclear capabilities by the treaty. We believe that extending the New Start agreement without addressing these critical issues would be unacceptable. Moreover, we see it as tied to the political dynamics in the U.S., particularly with upcoming elections influencing their approach.
**Interviewer:** The U.S. claims it wants to extend the agreement to bolster public support for the current administration. Does that alter how you view the negotiation process?
**Ryabkov:** The motivations of the U.S. administration are not our priority. Our focus is on national security and maintaining a balance in strategic capabilities. We will not accept compromises that are more about domestic political gain than genuine progress in arms control.
**Interviewer:** Recently, U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee suggested that Russia may be open to extending the treaty. How do you respond to that assertion?
**Ryabkov:** That claim does not reflect our position. We have clearly articulated our rejection of the extension based on current terms, and I see no reason to consider extensions that do not address our reservations or propose adequate changes to the balance of nuclear arms.
**Interviewer:** Given the landscape of nuclear arms control, how do you perceive the future of U.S.-Russia relations in this field?
**Ryabkov:** The future is uncertain. If the U.S. continues down this path of unilateral expectations without addressing the complexities of our security concerns, we may find ourselves in a more adversarial position. We remain open to dialog, but it must be constructive and based on mutual respect and understanding.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that there’s a lot at stake here. One last question: What should the international community take away from the current stalemate in U.S.-Russia negotiations on nuclear arms?
**Ryabkov:** It’s imperative that all nations recognize the fragile state of global security and the importance of engaging in meaningful dialog. If major powers cannot reach agreements, it endangers not just our countries but the entire world. The call for mutual security must be loud and clear.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Ryabkov, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue.
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**Discussion Question for Readers:** With the ongoing tensions surrounding nuclear arms control and the rejection of treaty extensions, do you believe that this stalemate will escalate the arms race or encourage new diplomatic efforts? What implications do you see for global security?
