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.
#request #extend #Start #treaty #nuclear #arms #control #rejected
**What are the key challenges facing U.S.-Russia arms control negotiations, according to Sergei Ryabkov?**
**Interview with Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Ryabkov. Recently, you rejected the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty. Can you elaborate on Russia’s position regarding the treaty?
**Ryabkov:** Thank you for having me. Our stance is straightforward: we find the conditions for the extension unacceptable. The New START treaty, while beneficial at its inception in 2010, cannot serve the political needs of the U.S. especially with the upcoming elections. We believe any extension must ensure that all parties have equity in terms of arms control and strategic stability.
**Interviewer:** Some analysts suggest that the U.S. is seeking this extension to bolster public support for the Trump administration ahead of elections. What are your thoughts on that perspective?
**Ryabkov:** I think it is evident. The U.S.’s focus appears to be more on domestic politics than on genuine negotiation. Treaties like New START should not be utilized as political leverage but should rather be grounded in mutual respect and a balanced approach to disarmament.
**Interviewer:** U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee has stated that Russia is open to the extension and limiting its nuclear arsenal. How do you respond to this claim?
**Ryabkov:** This statement misrepresents our position. We are open to dialogue about nuclear disarmament, but not under the current U.S. terms. Any negotiations need to address our concerns about American nuclear stockpiles and strategic capabilities. We cannot accept agreements that would ultimately serve American electoral ambitions rather than genuine stability.
**Interviewer:** Given the historical context of the New START treaty, what future can you foresee for U.S.-Russia arms control?
**Ryabkov:** The future is uncertain and heavily dependent on the U.S. approach to arms control. If they remain obstinate and focused on short-term political gains, we may see greater tensions. However, if a sincere effort towards equitable disarmament is made, there’s potential for meaningful negotiations and stability.
**Interviewer:** As a closing thought, what would you want the public to understand about this issue?
**Ryabkov:** I want to emphasize that nuclear arms control is not merely a negotiation tactic but a matter of global security. The public should advocate for agreements that prioritize mutual security, rather than those that are influenced by political expediency. We must strive for a world where dialogue prevails over rhetoric.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Ryabkov, for sharing your insights.
—
**Debate Question for Readers:** Given the rejection of the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty, do you believe that prioritizing political agendas over genuine arms control discussions could lead to increased global insecurity? How should the U.S. and Russia balance their national interests with the need for effective nuclear disarmament?
