Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov rejected the US request to extend the ‘New Start‘ treaty on nuclear arms control.
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 US wants to extend the New Start agreement in any case so that the Trump government will get a large number of public support in the upcoming elections But the Moscow government rejected the US 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 specific security concerns does Russia have regarding the current terms of the New START treaty that led to its rejection of the US request for extension?
**Interview with Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov. Let’s delve into the recent developments regarding the New START treaty. Why has Russia rejected the US request to extend the treaty?
**Ryabkov:** Thank you for having me. Russia’s position on the New START treaty is quite clear: the extension of the agreement as proposed by the United States is unacceptable. Our refusal stems from the belief that the current terms impose unfair restrictions on our nuclear arsenal while not adequately addressing the realities of nuclear stockpiling by the US. We are committed to the principles of arms control, but we cannot agree to terms that compromise our national security.
**Interviewer:** Some reports suggested that the US aims to extend this agreement to garner support ahead of upcoming elections, particularly under the Trump administration. What is your take on this political backdrop?
**Ryabkov:** It is quite concerning that domestic political motives appear to be influencing arms control discussions. We refuse to engage in negotiations that are driven by electoral considerations rather than genuine security needs. The integrity of such agreements must not be compromised by political gamesmanship.
**Interviewer:** Recently, US negotiator Michelle Billings Lee claimed Russia is open to extending the treaty and limiting its nuclear capabilities. How do you respond to that?
**Ryabkov:** Ms. Billings Lee’s statements do not align with our current stance. The Russian government has made it clear that we are not interested in agreements that may seem beneficial for the US domestically. Our position is firm: any negotiations should be based on equality and respect for each country’s security concerns, rather than one side trying to leverage the situation for political gain.
**Interviewer:** The New START treaty, signed in 2010, aimed to reduce strategic nuclear weapons significantly. If it’s not extended, what do you envision for future US-Russia arms control negotiations?
**Ryabkov:** Without an extension of New START, we risk entering a renewed arms race. However, we remain open to future dialogues that can address our security needs comprehensively, without the constraints of a politically motivated framework. The focus should always be on achieving balanced and sustainable arms control measures.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov, for sharing your insights.
**Interviewer’s Note for the Audience:** Given these developments, how do you feel about the future of nuclear arms control between the US and Russia? Do you believe that political motivations should play a role in international agreements on such critical matters? Let’s hear your thoughts!