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. What strategies can both the U.S. and Russia adopt to rebuild trust and facilitate future discussions on nuclear disarmament following the rejection of the treaty?**
**Interview with Dr. Elena Volkov, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Volkov. The news has just broken that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov rejected the U.S. request to extend the New START nuclear arms control treaty. What are your thoughts on Russia’s position?
**Dr. Volkov:** Thank you for having me. Russia’s rejection of the extension is significant. Ryabkov’s statement indicates that Moscow is unwilling to accept what they perceive as unfavorable restrictions on their nuclear arsenal, particularly in light of U.S. domestic politics, which he argues are influencing negotiations.
**Interviewer:** It seems there is a perception that the U.S. government, particularly under the Trump administration, is pushing for this extension primarily for political gain, ahead of elections. How do you see this affecting international nuclear diplomacy?
**Dr. Volkov:** You’re right to highlight the intersection of domestic politics and international relations. If the U.S. appears to be using the treaty as a political tool, it could undermine trust in future negotiations. Russia’s response highlights their unwillingness to engage in what they see as negotiations dictated by U.S. electoral needs rather than mutual security interests.
**Interviewer:** U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee has claimed that Russia is open to discussions regarding an extension. Could there be a possibility of a shift in Russia’s stance?
**Dr. Volkov:** There could always be room for negotiation, but it would require a significant change in U.S. posture—specifically, ensuring that any agreements are seen as equitable. Ryabkov’s rhetoric also suggests that there is a broader skepticism in Russia about the U.S. commitment to arms control, which complicates matters further.
**Interviewer:** Given the historical context of the New START treaty and its goal of nuclear reduction, what implications do you think this rejection has for global nuclear disarmament efforts?
**Dr. Volkov:** The rejection signals potential stagnation in international arms control efforts. If major powers like the U.S. and Russia cannot find common ground, it could embolden other nuclear states or non-signatory nations to prioritize their own arsenals over disarmament. This could lead to a more fragmented and dangerous security environment.
**Interviewer:** A final thought for our audience: How do you think the general public should respond to the implications of these developments in nuclear arms control?
**Dr. Volkov:** It’s crucial for the public to engage in discussions about the importance of diplomacy and arms control. The fallout from nuclear policies affects global security, and understanding the stakes could lead to greater advocacy for peaceful resolutions and sustainable agreements. It’s essential for citizens to hold their governments accountable for making decisions that foster global stability rather than polarization.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Volkov, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Question for the Audience:** What do you believe is the most significant impact of Russia’s refusal to extend the New START treaty, and how should the international community respond to ensure nuclear stability?
