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 risks and consequences for global security if the New START treaty is allowed to expire without extension or replacement?
**Interview with Sergei Ivanov, Arms Control Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Sergei. Let’s dive right into the news. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has publicly rejected the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty. What do you think are the main reasons behind Russia’s refusal?
**Sergei Ivanov:** Russia’s position seems to stem from a combination of strategic concerns and political considerations. Ryabkov highlighted that any extension would come with strict limits on U.S. nuclear capabilities, which Russia views as unacceptable. Furthermore, there’s a palpable tension surrounding U.S. domestic politics, particularly with the upcoming elections, which may influence negotiations. For Russia, extending the treaty under these conditions might be perceived as a concession that they are unwilling to make.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting point about the domestic political context in the U.S. Some experts suggest that the U.S. administration is eager to extend the treaty for electoral advantage. How might this impact U.S.-Russia relations?
**Sergei Ivanov:** If the U.S. is perceived as using nuclear arms control merely as a political tool, it could further strain relations. Russia might view this as insincere, leading to a breakdown in trust. Moreover, navigating these negotiations during an election cycle presents risks on both sides—especially if public opinion is swayed by perceptions of weakness or appeasement.
**Interviewer:** Recently, U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee indicated that Russia was ready to engage in discussions about extending the treaty. Why do you think there’s this discrepancy between U.S. claims and Russia’s actual responses?
**Sergei Ivanov:** This discrepancy often reflects the complex nature of diplomacy. Lee’s comments might come from optimism or a strategic approach to maintain dialog. However, Ryabkov’s sharp rebuke shows that Russia feels pressured rather than engaged in a genuine partnership. The rhetoric from both sides reveals deeper insecurities and differing interpretations of what is needed for a successful outcome.
**Interviewer:** Given these tensions, what do you think the implications are if the treaty isn’t extended? Could this lead to an arms race?
**Sergei Ivanov:** Absolutely. The end of the New START treaty would mean a vacuum in formal arms control agreements, potentially leading both nations to expand their nuclear arsenals without the constraints that the treaty provided. This outcome could trigger a renewed arms race, which would destabilize global security and decrease transparency around arsenals, ultimately escalating tensions internationally.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that the stakes are high. As we wrap up, what do you think the public sentiment should be regarding this issue? Should there be more pressure on leaders to reach an agreement?
**Sergei Ivanov:** Definitely. Public discourse should encourage transparency and dialog regarding nuclear disarmament. Citizens have a vested interest in these discussions, as the consequences of failing to extend such treaties affect global safety and stability. It’s essential for leaders on both sides to prioritize diplomacy over domestic politics and foster an environment that encourages disarmament rather than escalation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sergei, for sharing your insights on this crucial issue. It certainly raises important questions for our readers. What do they think about the future of the New START treaty and the implications of its potential expiration?
