Moscow: If the United States rejects Russia’s proposal to extend the New START treaty for another year, it would create a void and escalate the nuclear threat, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned on Wednesday. He added that the undesirable alternative to Russia’s proposed step would be the emergence of a complete void in the constraints imposed on nuclear capabilities, escalating tensions, and further increasing the nuclear threat.
According to Qatar News Agency, Ryabkov stated that Russia will certainly deal with such an alternative if it arises, as security is assured in all circumstances. He pointed out that he doesn’t see any real opportunity at the moment for any professional conversation between Russia and the US on issues related to nuclear nonproliferation.
For Russia, this is an indication of how slim the chances are for any bilateral cooperation with the United States on nonproliferation issues at the moment, Ryabkov continued. He emphasized that the arms control and nonproliferation agenda has become increasingly dependent on developments in other areas, particularly Ukraine.
Ryabkov stressed that he frankly doesn’t see any practical opportunity for Washington and Moscow to engage in a professional, realistic, and results-oriented dialogue on any nonproliferation issues. Overall, the New START treaty remains the sole remaining binding agreement aimed at curbing nuclear arms between the US and Russia, setting clear limits on the nuclear arsenals of both countries at 800 delivery systems and 1,550 operationally deployed warheads each.