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 consequences of the New START Treaty impasse for global nuclear arms control efforts?
**Interview with Nuclear Policy Expert Dr. Elena Moreva on the New START Treaty Impasse**
**Interviewer:** Today, we have Dr. Elena Moreva, a nuclear policy expert and former diplomat, to discuss the recent developments regarding the New START Treaty. Welcome, Dr. Moreva.
**Dr. Moreva:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** The news indicates that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has rejected a U.S. request to extend the New START Treaty. Can you explain the implications of this rejection?
**Dr. Moreva:** Certainly. The New START Treaty, which was signed in 2010, allows for significant reductions in each country’s nuclear arsenals, with both sides agreeing to cut their deployed strategic nuclear weapons to 1,550 warheads, and a maximum of 700 deployed delivery systems. Ryabkov’s rejection signifies a serious setback in U.S.-Russia relations and raises concerns about the future of nuclear arms control. Without an extension, we risk entering an era with fewer constraints on nuclear weapons, potentially escalating regional and global tensions.
**Interviewer:** The U.S. seems eager to extend the treaty, potentially for political gains ahead of the upcoming elections. How does political motivation influence international treaties like New START?
**Dr. Moreva:** Political motivations often play a significant role in international agreements. In the context of U.S. domestic politics, an extension could be viewed as a success for the current administration, garnering public support amid election campaigning. Conversely, the Russian government appears to see this as an attempt by the U.S. to impose limitations without addressing its own nuclear capabilities. This underscores a deep mistrust between the two nations, complicating negotiations and mutual concessions.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting that U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee suggested that Russia is ready to extend the treaty. How might these conflicting statements affect diplomatic relations?
**Dr. Moreva:** Such conflicting statements create ambiguity and further complicate diplomatic relations. If one side perceives the other as not being sincere or as using negotiations as a ploy, it can lead to a breakdown of dialog. For effective arms control, both sides need to be transparent and committed to mutual security, which is currently in jeopardy.
**Interviewer:** What do you think is the next step for both nations?
**Dr. Moreva:** It’s imperative for both the U.S. and Russia to return to the negotiating table. They need to address the underlying issues leading to mistrust and find common ground on strategic stability. Moreover, involving international allies and speaking openly about the importance of arms control can help create a conducive environment for dialog. Otherwise, we may see a dangerous resurgence of arms races reminiscent of the Cold War.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Moreva. Before we end, let’s pose a question to our readers: Given the current rejection of the New START Treaty extension by Russia, what do you think should be the priority for the U.S. administration moving forward? Should it prioritize nuclear disarmament negotiations, or focus on domestic political strategy?
**Dr. Moreva:** That’s a crucial question that strikes at the heart of future U.S. foreign policy. Engaging with readers on this topic can spark a vital conversation about the balance between national security and global stability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Moreva.