Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov rejected the US request to extend the ‘New Start‘ treaty on nuclear arms control.
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. proposal to extend the New START treaty, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov?
**Interview with Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Ryabkov. The United States recently requested an extension of the New START treaty on nuclear arms control, but you rejected this request. Could you elaborate on why Russia finds the extension unacceptable?
**Ryabkov:** Certainly. The primary concern for us is that the current terms of the New START treaty impose restrictions on our security posture without addressing the broader geopolitical landscape. We believe the U.S. needs to reconsider its nuclear arsenal and should not unilaterally dictate the limitations placed upon us. Our stance is firm: we cannot accept agreements that are influenced by U.S. electoral politics, particularly those that serve the interests of one administration while undermining ours.
**Interviewer:** The U.S. government claims that extending the treaty is crucial for maintaining public support ahead of the elections. Do you think this political context is influencing the negotiations?
**Ryabkov:** Absolutely. It is clear that the motivations behind the U.S. request are deeply rooted in domestic politics. We reject the idea that international security should be subject to the whims of an election cycle. Strategic arms control is too important to be treated as a bargaining chip in domestic campaigns.
**Interviewer:** There were reports suggesting that a U.S. negotiator claimed Russia was ready to extend the agreement. How do you respond to these assertions?
**Ryabkov:** We have consistently communicated our position. Statements implying that we are ready to compromise without addressing our legitimate concerns are misleading. Our government is unified in rejecting any agreements that do not consider the realities and needs of our national security.
**Interviewer:** The New START treaty, signed in 2010, aimed to limit both countries to 700 deployed strategic nuclear warheads. Given the current tensions, what role do you think treaties like New START should play in international relations moving forward?
**Ryabkov:** Treaties like New START are crucial, but only if they are balanced and equitable. For such agreements to work, all parties must feel they contribute to a safer global environment. If the terms do not reflect the realities of today’s security challenges, they risk becoming irrelevant, and that is where we find ourselves now.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Ryabkov. As we see the relationship between the U.S. and Russia evolve, what do you believe is the public’s responsibility in engaging with these issues?
**Ryabkov:** The public must remain informed and engaged. It’s essential for citizens to understand the implications of nuclear arms control and advocate for policies that prioritize genuine security over political maneuvering. This is not just a governmental issue; it affects everyone.
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As this situation develops, how do you think the public’s perception of U.S.-Russia relations might change? Do you believe arms control agreements like New START should be influenced by domestic politics?
