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 potential risks to global nuclear stability if the New START treaty is not extended and the framework for arms control is compromised?
**Interview with Alex Reed: Sergei Ryabkov on New START Treaty Extension**
**Editor:** Welcome, Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent decision not to extend the New START nuclear arms control treaty. Can you clarify why Russia rejected the U.S. request for an extension?
**Ryabkov:** Thank you for having me. The refusal to extend the New START treaty is based on our firm stance on the limitations it imposes on the U.S. nuclear arsenal. We believe these restrictions are no longer acceptable, especially considering the changing global security dynamics and the aspirations of the U.S. administration.
**Editor:** Some reports suggest that the U.S. is seeking to extend the treaty to bolster public support ahead of elections. What is your view on this political context influencing nuclear arms control agreements?
**Ryabkov:** It is indeed concerning that domestic political considerations are being interwoven with such a critical issue as nuclear arms control. The integrity of international treaties should not be compromised for electoral gain. We firmly reject any agreements that use the backdrop of American politics as leverage.
**Editor:** Recently, U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee stated that Russia might be ready to extend the treaty. How do you respond to this assertion?
**Ryabkov:** This claim is misleading. Russia is not inclined to extend the treaty in its current form. We need to address the fundamental issues first. The U.S. must recognise our position and engage in sincere dialog that doesn’t tie nuclear arms control to political expediency.
**Editor:** In 2010, the New START treaty was a significant step in nuclear disarmament, reducing both nations’ arsenals. What implications do you see the rejection of the extension having on global nuclear stability?
**Ryabkov:** The implications could be significant. Without a framework like New START, we risk unrestrained arms competition. Just as we have worked to reduce arsenals in the past, we must cultivate an environment of trust and manageable dialog among nuclear powers. The prospect of a new arms race is a worrying reality if we do not find common ground.
**Editor:** what do you think should be the priority for both nations moving forward?
**Ryabkov:** Our priority must be to re-establish dialog based on mutual respect and acknowledgment of each other’s security concerns. There is an urgent need for comprehensive nuclear disarmament discussions that do not succumb to political maneuvering.
**Editor:** Thank you, Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov, for your insights today.
**Question for Readers:** Given the current geopolitical climate and these developments regarding the New START treaty, what do you think should take precedence—national interests tied to political gains or the need for global nuclear stability? Share your thoughts and join the debate!
