nuclear weapons
Kremlin ready for nuclear arms control dialogue
A Russian Topol-M strategic nuclear missile at a military parade in Moscow (stock image). photo
© Yuri Kochetkov/EPA/dpa
Nuclear arms control talks between Russia and the US are on hold. Kremlin spokesman Peskov rated a new offer of talks from Washington positively.
Russia has shown itself open to a new dialogue with the US on nuclear arms control. The Kremlin praised an offer by US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, for talks without preconditions as an “important and positive statement”. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in Moscow: “We expect that it will be strengthened with steps through diplomatic channels. After that, the proposed dialogue variants can be examined.”
In February, Russia suspended the so-called New Start treaty to reduce its nuclear arsenal. Regarding a possible resumption of negotiations on nuclear weapons controls, Peskov said: “Russia remains open to dialogue. We consider it extremely important. But first we have to understand how this proposal is formulated.” Russia and the US have by far the most nuclear weapons in the world.
When New Start was suspended, Russia had declared that it wanted to continue to adhere to the upper limits of the disarmament treaty for nuclear weapons. However, due to US sanctions, Russia is unable to control US military bases. That’s why you don’t allow any more checks on your own arsenal. The controls are an important part of the agreement. New Start is the last existing disarmament treaty between the two nuclear powers.