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 key reasons behind Russia’s rejection of the US request to extend the New START treaty?**
**Interview with Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov. Recently, the United States requested an extension of the New START treaty, which you have publicly rejected. Could you elaborate on your government’s position regarding this?
**Ryabkov:** Certainly. The stance of the Russian government is clear: the extension of the New START treaty, as proposed by the US, is unacceptable. Our reservations stem from the fact that the current negotiation framework imposes restrictions on our nuclear arsenal while failing to address the broader context of US nuclear capabilities. We cannot accept a one-sided approach that undermines our security.
**Interviewer:** There have been claims from US negotiator Michelle Billings Lee suggesting that Russia might be open to extending the agreement. How do you respond to that assertion?
**Ryabkov:** This claim is misguided. We have consistently articulated our position. The notion that we are ready to extend the treaty without substantive dialogue on equitable terms is simply inaccurate. Our refusal to engage in discussions that tie our security decisions to the dynamics of American electoral politics is firm. We reject any compromises that cater to US domestic interests.
**Interviewer:** It is noted that the New START treaty was initially signed in 2010, committing both countries to significantly reduce their nuclear arsenals. Given the current tensions, do you believe that such arms control agreements are still relevant?
**Ryabkov:** Arms control agreements like New START are essential in principle, but they must evolve to reflect current geopolitical realities. The stability and security of our nation cannot be compromised under the pretext of pleasing political objectives in other countries. Therefore, any future discussions must be approached with a balanced perspective on security for both sides.
**Interviewer:** The rejection of the extension has significant implications for global security. How do you foresee the future of nuclear arms control between the US and Russia?
**Ryabkov:** The future of nuclear arms control will depend on the United States’ willingness to engage in genuine dialogue that acknowledges mutual interests. If the US continues to rely on unilateral demands, we face a precarious situation. Moving forward, we must find a pathway that ensures equitable security arrangements and considers the strategic environment comprehensively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov. As we consider the complexities of nuclear arms control, do you think the debate around extending agreements like New START should take precedence over national elections and domestic politics?
**Ryabkov:** Absolutely. The stakes involved in nuclear arms control transcend political cycles. It is crucial for both nations to prioritize global security over electoral politics. Initiatives that aim for long-term stability should not be contingent on short-term political gains.
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**Discussion Question for Readers:** Do you think that national interests and electoral politics should dictate the terms of international arms control agreements, or should global security considerations take precedence? How do you view the current dynamics between the US and Russia regarding the New START treaty?