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 potential global security risks associated with Russia’s rejection of the New START treaty extension?
**Interview with Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Minister Ryabkov. Recently, you rejected the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty on nuclear arms control. Can you explain the reasons behind this decision?
**Ryabkov:** Thank you for having me. Our position is clear: the extension of the New START treaty is unacceptable under current conditions. We have serious reservations regarding limitations on the U.S. nuclear arsenal that we believe are disproportionately constraining. Moreover, we cannot support agreements that seem to be influenced more by American domestic politics, particularly with elections looming.
**Interviewer:** Some U.S. officials, including negotiator Michelle Billings Lee, have suggested that Russia is open to extending the treaty if there are commitments to limit nuclear arsenals. How do you respond to that?
**Ryabkov:** That assertion is misleading. While we remain open to discussions about nuclear arms control, our stance is firm that the U.S. needs to approach negotiations without preconditions tied to their political agenda. The idea that the Trump administration seeks an extension simply to gain public support is shortsighted and not conducive to genuine arms control.
**Interviewer:** Many view the New START treaty as a crucial element in global nuclear stability. Without it, what do you foresee in terms of nuclear arms competition between the U.S. and Russia?
**Ryabkov:** The absence of New START could lead to a dangerous escalation in nuclear arms competition, reminiscent of the Cold War era. We do not wish to engage in an arms race, but the U.S. must recognise its responsibilities and engage in meaningful dialog rather than making unilateral demands.
**Interviewer:** As tensions rise, what do you think are the implications for international security if nuclear arms limitations are not maintained?
**Ryabkov:** The implications are dire. Without frameworks like New START, we risk destabilizing not just U.S.-Russia relations but global security as a whole. An unregulated arms buildup by any nation can lead to an increased likelihood of conflicts, miscalculations, and ultimately, catastrophic consequences.
**Interviewer:** what is your message to international stakeholders watching this situation?
**Ryabkov:** Engage actively in dialog rather than inflaming tensions. Commitment to arms control must not be a bargaining chip in political games. Only through genuine cooperation can we hope to safeguard our world from the perils of nuclear weapons.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Ryabkov, for sharing your insights with us.
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As we contemplate the future of nuclear arms control, what do you think about the rejection of the New START treaty extension? Is this a legitimate stance for Russia, or does it pose a real risk to global security? Join the debate!