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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What are the key reasons behind Russia’s rejection of the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty?
**Interview with Expert on New START Treaty Impasse**
**Interviewer:** Today, we’re discussing the recent rejection by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov of the U.S. request to extend the New START nuclear arms control treaty. Joining us is Dr. Alexei Ivanov, a political analyst specializing in U.S.-Russia relations. Thank you for being here, Dr. Ivanov.
**Dr. Ivanov:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** To start, can you explain why Russia has rejected the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty?
**Dr. Ivanov:** Certainly. Russia’s rejection, as articulated by Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov, stems from concerns over what they view as U.S. limitations that affect their nuclear arsenal. They believe that any extension would inherently favor the U.S. position, particularly regarding stockpiles of nuclear weapons, which they find unacceptable. Ryabkov’s comments indicate that Russia is not willing to enter into agreements that they see primarily benefiting the U.S., especially in light of the political context, such as upcoming elections.
**Interviewer:** There have been reports suggesting that the U.S. administration is eager to extend the treaty to gain public support. How does this influence the negotiations?
**Dr. Ivanov:** The timing of these discussions is indeed crucial. For the U.S., particularly under the Trump administration, extending New START could be framed as a significant foreign policy success, showcasing a commitment to arms control. However, Russia’s perception of this move as politically motivated rather than a genuine attempt at nuclear disarmament complicates matters. They are unwilling to be seen as conceding to U.S. electoral pressures.
**Interviewer:** Recently, U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee claimed that Russia might be open to an extension. How does this contrast with Ryabkov’s statements?
**Dr. Ivanov:** This discrepancy highlights the complexity and potentially misaligned expectations in the negotiations. While Lee’s assertion may reflect a more hopeful or diplomatic angle, Ryabkov’s outright dismissal shows a stark difference in perspectives. Russia appears to be taking a firm stance, possibly as a strategy to reinforce its own power in future negotiations or to appease internal constituencies that are skeptical of the U.S. agenda.
**Interviewer:** Given the historical context of the New START treaty, originally signed in 2010 and aiming to reduce nuclear arsenals significantly, what implications could these current developments have on future arms control efforts?
**Dr. Ivanov:** The fallout from this situation could be quite serious. If New START is not extended, it could signal a return to a more hostile environment regarding nuclear arms control, reminiscent of the Cold War era. Without the framework that New START provides, both nations could expand their arsenals without oversight, increasing global tensions. Furthermore, it could undermine trust and cooperation in other critical areas, such as non-proliferation or future disarmament negotiations.
**Interviewer:** One last question—what do you think this impasse means for the future of U.S.-Russia relations overall?
**Dr. Ivanov:** This development may exacerbate existing tensions. The rejection encapsulates a broader struggle related to power dynamics and trust between the two countries. If both sides cannot find common ground on nuclear arms control, it raises fears about escalating arms races and could further entrench adversarial positions on various geopolitical issues.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ivanov, for your insights on this critical issue. It certainly raises important questions about the future of nuclear arms control and international diplomacy.
**Dr. Ivanov:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** And to our audience, what are your thoughts on the rejection of the New START treaty extension? Are agreements like these essential for global security, or do they hinder national defense? Join the discussion in the comments below!
