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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**2. How does domestic U.S. politics influence Russia’s perception of arms control negotiations with the United States?**
**Interview with Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Ryabkov. Recently, you rejected the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty. Can you elaborate on the reasons behind this decision?
**Sergei Ryabkov:** Thank you for having me. The refusal to extend the New START agreement stems from our position that it imposes unacceptable restrictions on Russia’s nuclear arsenal. We believe that any discussions about extending the treaty should be based on equitable terms, not influenced by domestic political agendas in the United States, especially as they approach elections.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned domestic politics. Some analysts argue the U.S. seeks to extend the New START to bolster public support for the current administration. How does that impact negotiations for you?
**Sergei Ryabkov:** It significantly complicates matters. Using an arms control treaty as a political tool is detrimental to genuine dialog. The United States seems focused on leveraging arms control for electoral gains rather than on pursuing a balanced agreement that considers both our national security concerns.
**Interviewer:** U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee suggested that Russia might be open to an extension. What is your response to her claim?
**Sergei Ryabkov:** With all due respect to Ms. Billings Lee, her assertions do not reflect the reality of the Russian position. We maintain that the current terms of the New START are not suitable for extension as they stand. Russia will not be pushed into agreements that do not serve our strategic interests.
**Interviewer:** Given the historical context, the New START agreement was designed to reduce nuclear arsenals. Do you think a new agreement or negotiations are possible if the current terms are unacceptable?
**Sergei Ryabkov:** We are open to discussing nuclear arms control but not under the assumptions that the current administration presents. A more balanced treaty that considers both nations’ security needs could be explored, but that requires a willingness from the U.S. to engage on equal footing.
**Interviewer:** what do you believe is the broader implication of this impasse for global nuclear security?
**Sergei Ryabkov:** The lack of an extension poses a risk not only to U.S.-Russia relations but also to global security. If we cannot find common ground, other nations may react by expanding their arsenals, leading to a more militarized global landscape. It is crucial that we prioritize dialog over division.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Ryabkov, for sharing your insights. This topic clearly opens up many questions about the future of nuclear arms control.
**Debate Question for Readers:** With the renewal of the New START treaty rejected by Russia and the complexities of political influence, what do you believe should be the next steps for U.S.-Russia relations regarding nuclear arms control? Should national interests take precedence over political agendas, and how can both nations ensure global security in light of these tensions?
