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 can domestic political pressures influence international nuclear arms control negotiations?
**Interview with Professor Emily Carter, Nuclear Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Professor Carter. We want to discuss the recent rejection by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov of the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty. What do you think are the implications of this refusal for the future of nuclear arms control?
**Professor Carter:** Thank you for having me. The rejection of the extension request is quite significant. New START has played a crucial role in limiting strategic nuclear arms since 2010, and without its continuation, we could see a renewed arms buildup between the U.S. and Russia. This exit from dialog could lead to increased tensions and miscalculations, which is alarming given the current geopolitical climate.
**Interviewer:** Ryabkov mentioned that the U.S. restrictions on its nuclear stockpile are unacceptable to Russia. How do you interpret this position?
**Professor Carter:** That statement underscores a deep-seated mistrust between the two nations. Russia seems to believe that any extension of the treaty would unfairly constrain its strategic options while giving the U.S. an advantage. This reflects not only the dynamics of their nuclear arsenals but also the broader context of international relations and security concerns on both sides.
**Interviewer:** The U.S. is reportedly interested in extending the treaty partly to garner political support domestically, especially with elections approaching. What do you make of this strategy?
**Professor Carter:** It is certainly a political calculation that could backfire. Using nuclear arms control as a political tool risks trivializing a critical issue of global security. If the treaty is perceived as something being used for electoral gain, it could diminish trust in the U.S. commitment to arms control, both domestically and internationally.
**Interviewer:** There are claims from U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee that Russia might be willing to limit its nuclear weapons. How do you see the potential for negotiation evolving from this point?
**Professor Carter:** That claim indicates that there might still be a glimmer of hope for dialog, but it heavily depends on both sides’ willingness to compromise. If either nation views negotiations purely through the lens of political opportunism, it could lead back to stalemate. Genuine progress will require a concerted effort to rebuild trust and a willingness to address mutual security concerns.
**Interviewer:** Given the current circumstances, what should citizens and policymakers be most concerned about regarding nuclear arms control?
**Professor Carter:** The primary concern should be the erosion of strategic stability and the potential for an arms race. Citizens should be engaged in discussions about the importance of nuclear disarmament and the risks of militarization. Policymakers need to prioritize diplomatic channels and consider innovative ways to re-engage on arms control, rather than allowing political motivations to dictate security strategies.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Professor Carter, for your insights on this vital issue. Would you like to leave our readers with a thought for discussion?
**Professor Carter:** Absolutely. I encourage readers to think critically about the interconnectedness of domestic politics and international security. How do you believe political interests in one country impact global nuclear stability? Let’s discuss potential solutions for a more secure future.
**Interviewer:** That’s a great question to ponder. Thank you again for your time today!