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
How might domestic political factors in the US influence future negotiations over nuclear arms treaties like New START?
**Interview with Expert on Nuclear Arms Control: Sergei Ryabkov’s Rejection of US Extension of New START Treaty**
**Editor:** Today, we have Dr. Elena Petrov, a leading expert in international relations and nuclear disarmament, to discuss the recent developments concerning the New START treaty. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Petrov.
**Dr. Petrov:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** Let’s dive into the news. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has publicly rejected the US request to extend the New START treaty. What do you think are the main motivations behind Russia’s refusal?
**Dr. Petrov:** Ryabkov’s rejection reflects a broader strategic perspective within the Kremlin. They believe that any extension of the treaty under current conditions undermines Russia’s national security interests, especially given what they perceive as imbalanced restrictions on US nuclear capabilities. There’s also a sense that extending the treaty might be used by the Trump administration as a political tool to gain public support ahead of upcoming elections, which is something Russia is unwilling to entertain.
**Editor:** Speaking of political motivations, the US has been vocal about wanting to extend the treaty. Can you explain how public opinion in the US might be influencing these negotiations?
**Dr. Petrov:** Absolutely. The desire to extend New START can be interpreted as an attempt by the current administration to project strength and stability in its foreign policy, especially as election season approaches. Showing a commitment to arms control could resonate positively with voters who favor international cooperation and security. However, the contradiction lies in Russia’s perception that these moves are politically motivated rather than genuine efforts toward mutual disarmament.
**Editor:** In light of this rejection, what do you think the implications will be for future arms control agreements between the US and Russia?
**Dr. Petrov:** This situation complicates the prospect of further arms control negotiations. If both sides remain entrenched in their positions, we could see a revival of an arms race reminiscent of the Cold War. Additionally, abandoning or failing to extend the New START treaty might lead to a decrease in transparency and trust, increasing global tensions not only between Russia and the US but among other nuclear powers as well.
**Editor:** what should our readers take away from this situation?
**Dr. Petrov:** It’s critical for the public to engage in discussions about nuclear policy and arms control. Readers should consider the broader implications of nuclear proliferation and the pursuit of peace. Should nations prioritize national security over global cooperation? This is a question worth debating as the future of nuclear arms control hangs in the balance.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Dr. Petrov:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** To our readers, what are your thoughts on the refusal to extend the New START treaty? Do you believe national interests should override international agreements, or should there be a mutual commitment to disarmament? Let’s discuss.
