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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How might domestic political factors in both the US and Russia affect future negotiations on nuclear arms control?
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. We have with us Dr. Elena Novikova, a political analyst specializing in international relations, particularly nuclear arms control. Dr. Novikova, recent reports indicate that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has outright rejected the US request to extend the New START treaty. Why is this development significant?
**Dr. Novikova:** Thank you for having me. The rejection of the extension request for the New START treaty is a critical moment in US-Russia relations. New START, signed in 2010, was foundational in limiting the strategic nuclear arsenals of both countries. With Russia refusing to extend the treaty, we risk entering a new arms race, undermining decades of nuclear stability. This is particularly alarming given the rising tensions between the two nations and the complex geopolitical landscape.
**Interviewer:** Ryabkov mentioned that the extension is “unacceptable” due to US restrictions. What does this indicate about Russia’s current position regarding nuclear arms control?
**Dr. Novikova:** It reflects a broader dissatisfaction within the Kremlin regarding perceived inequalities in how these treaties are administered. Russia feels that US stockpile limits and verification processes may not be equally applied or beneficial, especially as they view their national security needs in a different light. Ryabkov’s comments also hint at a discontent with how the US approaches these negotiations, particularly regarding domestic political considerations rather than strategic military balance.
**Interviewer:** There’s speculation that the US may have political motivations behind wanting to extend New START, particularly pertaining to upcoming elections. How do domestic politics factor into international agreements like this?
**Dr. Novikova:** Domestic politics play a significant role in how nations frame their foreign policy. In this case, the Trump administration may perceive an extension of New START as a way to gain public support by showcasing a commitment to nuclear stability. However, using international treaties for political gain can backfire; it may lead other nations to perceive such actions as opportunistic rather than sincere. This could undermine trust and complicate future negotiations.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, with both sides seemingly at an impasse, what do you believe will happen next in US-Russia relations regarding nuclear arms control?
**Dr. Novikova:** If both sides remain entrenched in their positions, we could see a deterioration of the already fragile arms control framework. It’s imperative for both nations to engage in dialog and seek common ground; failure to do so may unleash an unpredictable and potentially unstable arms race. The international community will also be watching closely, as the implications extend beyond just the US and Russia, affecting global security.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Novikova. This situation prompts us to reflect on the larger implications of nuclear arms control policy. Readers, what do you think about Russia’s rejection of the extension? Is it a step toward better security for Russia, or a dangerous escalation that could destabilize global peace? Join the discussion below!
