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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What are the potential consequences of the U.S. and Russia not extending the New START treaty for global arms control efforts?
**Interview with Dr. Anna Petrov, Expert in International Relations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petrov. Recently, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov rejected the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty. What are the implications of this decision for global nuclear stability?
**Dr. Petrov:** Thank you for having me. The refusal to extend the New START treaty is quite significant. New START has been a cornerstone of U.S.-Russia arms control since its signing in 2010, limiting each side to a maximum of 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and providing a framework for transparency and verification. Its expiration, or lack of extension, could lead to an arms race and destabilize the already fraught geopolitical landscape.
**Interviewer:** Ryabkov cited concerns over restrictions on the U.S. stock of nuclear weapons. How do you view Russia’s position in this context?
**Dr. Petrov:** Ryabkov’s comments reflect a broader strategic thinking in Moscow where they perceive the U.S. position as increasingly unilateral. Russia is concerned that any extension might disproportionately limit their capabilities while allowing the U.S. more room to maneuver. This dynamic could be seen as a reaction not only to historical grievances but also to current geopolitical tensions, particularly with NATO and in the context of the U.S. elections.
**Interviewer:** Interestingly, U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee recently claimed that Russia is ready to extend the agreement. How do you interpret this contradiction?
**Dr. Petrov:** It’s quite perplexing, and it indicates a lack of coherent communication between both sides. It may suggest that within Russian leadership, opinions vary regarding the potential benefits of extending New START. While official positions are critical, there might be factions within the Russian government that understand the necessity of arms control amid rising tensions. This gap could lead to mixed signals in diplomatic efforts.
**Interviewer:** With the current geopolitical climate and the upcoming elections in the U.S., do you think domestic politics are influencing Russia’s stance?
**Dr. Petrov:** Absolutely. The timing is quite telling. The Russian government is likely wary of engaging in negotiations that might bolster a U.S. administration, particularly one that it views as adversarial. By rejecting the extension, Russia may be trying to assert its position and signal to its domestic audience that it won’t be beholden to U.S. political cycles, especially with a significant election on the horizon.
**Interviewer:** what do you think this situation indicates about the future of arms control agreements between the U.S. and Russia?
**Dr. Petrov:** The future of arms control is looking increasingly precarious. If both sides cannot find common ground, we might see a drift toward a more competitive and less regulated strategic environment. This could encourage not just the U.S. and Russia but also other nuclear states to increase their arsenals, which is certainly concerning for global security.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Petrov. It’s certainly a complex issue that requires careful attention.
**Dr. Petrov:** Thank you for having me. It’s important for the public to engage in these discussions, as the implications of nuclear policy affect us all.
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**Debate Question for Readers:** With the Russian government firmly rejecting the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty, do you believe that this could lead to a new arms race? What strategies should both nations pursue to ensure nuclear stability?