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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In light of the rejection of the treaty extension, what steps can be taken by the U.S. and Russia to re-establish trust and engage in meaningful arms control discussions?
**Interview with Sergei Ryabkov on the New START Treaty Rejection**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov. The recent decision to reject the U.S. request to extend the New START treaty has sparked significant discussion internationally. Can you explain the reasoning behind this rejection?
**Sergei Ryabkov:** Thank you for having me. The rejection stems from a fundamental disagreement over the terms and restrictions imposed by the U.S. on our nuclear arsenal. We believe that the call for extension is not grounded in a genuine commitment to disarmament, but rather in domestic political calculations, particularly with upcoming elections in the U.S.
**Interviewer:** Some U.S. negotiators, like Michelle Billings Lee, have suggested that Russia is open to extending the treaty if it includes limits on U.S. nuclear weapons. How do you respond to these claims?
**Sergei Ryabkov:** This assertion misrepresents our position. While Russia has always been open to dialog regarding arms control, any extension of the New START treaty would require a reassessment of the current strategic landscape. We cannot accept an extension that does not address our reservations or lead to mutual security benefits.
**Interviewer:** The New START treaty was a significant milestone in nuclear arms control when it was signed in 2010, aiming to limit each country’s strategic nuclear weapons. What do you see as the implications of not extending the treaty?
**Sergei Ryabkov:** The implications are severe. Without the treaty, we return to an environment of unregulated nuclear arsenals, which increases the risk of miscalculation and conflict. The framework provided by New START has been essential for maintaining strategic stability, and its absence would undoubtedly heighten tensions.
**Interviewer:** Given the complexities, what do you believe should be the next steps for both nations moving forward?
**Sergei Ryabkov:** Both countries must engage in transparent dialog focused not just on limitations, but on comprehensive security guarantees. We need to explore new frameworks that reflect the current geopolitical realities and allow for real disarmament efforts, rather than mere political gestures.
**Interviewer:** If you could address American citizens directly, what message would you want to convey regarding this situation?
**Sergei Ryabkov:** I would emphasize that the issues surrounding nuclear arms control are not merely political but represent a shared responsibility for global security. The decisions made today will impact generations to come, and it is imperative to move beyond partisan interests to collaborate on genuine reductions in nuclear risks.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov, for your insights.
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**Debate Question for Readers:** Given the rejection of the New START treaty extension by Russia and the complexities of nuclear arms control, do you believe that prioritizing national political interests over international security is a wise approach for the U.S.? What are your thoughts on the future of arms control negotiations?
