Moscow: Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, relations between the United States and Russia have been strained. Russian President Vladimir Putin halted Russia’s involvement in the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) treaty with the US, which regulates the nuclear arsenals of both nations.
Despite the importance of nuclear disarmament, Moscow seems reluctant to reengage in discussions, dampening hopes for renewed cooperation between the world’s leading nuclear powers. Vladimir Yermakov, the head of Russia’s Department of Nonproliferation and Arms Control at the Foreign Ministry, expressed skepticism about US commitment to nuclear arms control.
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Yermakov emphasized the lack of innovative proposals from Washington regarding nuclear arms control, stating, “As for the fate of the START Treaty and the agreement to replace it, it is as pointless to talk about it at this stage as it is to assess prospects for resolving, through political and diplomatic means, any other problems that have accumulated in the area of strategic stability.” He cautioned against unrealistic expectations of new agreements and reiterated Russia’s readiness for any outcome.
Furthermore, Yermakov outlined Putin’s conditions for resuming dialogue on the treaty, which include the US refraining from policies that undermine Russia’s security. He also stressed the necessity for the US to demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the underlying causes of their disagreements to prevent the risk of direct military confrontation.
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Putin previously announced Russia’s suspension of the New START Treaty during his annual speech, clarifying that it was not a withdrawal but a temporary halt in participation. Despite calls from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for Russia to resume compliance with the treaty, discussions have stalled.
In November 2023, Russian Ambassador to the US Sergei Lavrov asserted that talks on the treaty would remain impossible as long as the US continued to support Ukraine.
