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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How does Deputy Minister Ryabkov perceive the impact of domestic political agendas on the negotiations surrounding nuclear arms control agreements?
**Interview with Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, on the New START Treaty**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov. Recently, you rejected the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty. Can you elaborate on the reasons behind this decision?
**Ryabkov:** Thank you for having me. Our stance is clear: extending the New START treaty under current conditions is unacceptable. The United States has imposed restrictions that we find detrimental to our strategic interests. We cannot accept a position that limits our nuclear capabilities while the U.S. maintains its stockpiles.
**Interviewer:** There are reports suggesting that the United States is eager to extend the treaty, particularly to bolster public support ahead of upcoming elections. How do you view this motivation?
**Ryabkov:** It is unfortunate that the U.S. is framing this as an election issue. Nuclear arms control should be about security and mutual interests, not political maneuvering. We reject any agreements that are tied to electoral politics; such tactics undermine genuine dialog and lead to mistrust.
**Interviewer:** U.S. negotiator Michelle Billings Lee recently implied that Russia might be open to extending the agreement. How do you respond to that assertion?
**Ryabkov:** That claim is misleading. While we are open to discussions about arms control, it does not mean we agree to extend the treaty as it stands. We need a serious conversation about reducing risks and addressing both sides’ security concerns without any preconceived conditions.
**Interviewer:** The New START treaty, signed in 2010, was a significant step in nuclear disarmament, aiming to reduce each country’s strategic nuclear weapons. Do you believe any future agreements could build upon the framework established by New START?
**Ryabkov:** Future agreements are possible but will require a fundamental change in how the U.S. approaches nuclear policy and arms control. Both sides must come to the table with a willingness to consider mutual security rather than unilateral demands.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you want to convey regarding international perceptions of Russia’s position on nuclear arms control?
**Ryabkov:** We aim to be seen not as an obstructionist force but as a responsible nuclear power. Our priority is to ensure our national security while fostering a stable global environment. We hope for a future dialog that prioritizes de-escalation over escalation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Deputy Minister Ryabkov, for sharing your insights with us today.
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**Debate Prompt for Readers:** In light of Deputy Minister Ryabkov’s remarks, what do you think about the role of nuclear arms control agreements in international relations? Should they be influenced by domestic political agendas, or should they remain purely a matter of national and global security? Share your thoughts!
