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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How does the current rejection of the New START treaty by Russia affect global nuclear arms control efforts and what measures can be implemented to stabilize relations between nuclear powers?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Vasilyeva, Defense Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Vasilyeva. In light of recent events, can you share your insights on Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov’s rejection of the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty?
**Dr. Vasilyeva:** Thank you for having me. The refusal to extend the New START treaty is emblematic of rising tensions between the U.S. and Russia. This agreement, established in 2010, was a crucial framework for controlling nuclear arsenals, limiting both countries to 700 deployed strategic warheads. By rejecting the extension, Russia is clearly signaling its unwillingness to engage in what it perceives as an unequal negotiation.
**Interviewer:** The reports suggest that the U.S. is pushing for an extension partly to gain support in the upcoming elections. How do you think domestic politics are influencing this international treaty?
**Dr. Vasilyeva:** Domestic politics play a significant role, especially with the upcoming elections. A strong stance on nuclear arms control often resonates with voters who are concerned about national security. However, using diplomacy as a campaign tool can backfire if it appears disingenuous or overly transactional to other nations. Russia’s rejection underscores the complexities of using international treaties as leverage in domestic politics.
**Interviewer:** In light of U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee’s claims that Russia is willing to extend the agreement, what does this contradiction reveal about the current state of diplomatic relations?
**Dr. Vasilyeva:** It illustrates a significant disconnect in perceptions and priorities between the two nations. While the U.S. might believe there is flexibility from Russia, Ryabkov’s statements indicate a firm stance against what they see as U.S. unilateralism. This divergence could complicate future negotiations, as it demonstrates that communication lines are obscured, leading to misunderstandings.
**Interviewer:** Considering this context, what are the implications for global nuclear stability if New START is not extended or replaced?
**Dr. Vasilyeva:** The absence of a treaty like New START could lead to an arms race, as both countries may feel compelled to modernize and expand their arsenals without oversight. This can set a dangerous precedent for other nuclear powers and destabilize global security. The situation demands urgent dialog to avoid reverting to Cold War dynamics, which favored neither side.
**Interviewer:** With the stakes so high, what do you think the international community should do in response to this impasse?
**Dr. Vasilyeva:** The international community must advocate for dialog and engagement. Multilateral forums could be used to lay the groundwork for renewed discussions, involving not just the U.S. and Russia, but other nuclear states as well. Shaping a consensus on arms control will be crucial to maintaining global stability moving forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Vasilyeva. Readers, what do you think about the implications of Russia’s rejection of the New START extension? Do you believe that domestic politics should influence international treaties, or should nations prioritize global security over electoral gains? Engage with us in the comments below!
