U.S. Weighing Putin’s Nuclear Arms Control Proposal
The Nuclear Arms Talks between Russia and the United States have gained new momentum.Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that America is weighing the proposal from President Vladimir Putin to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) after its end date in February 2026. He disclosed this statement during an interview with RIA Novosti and informed the public that – supposedly – Washington relayed this message through diplomatic channels.
Thus far, there has been no substantive reaction from Washington. They cited, through diplomatic channels, that “it is under consideration,” Lavrov stated. He noted that Russia is willing to engage in dialogue but expects some degree of reciprocity regarding strategic stability, which they indicated is an expectation.
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Putin’s Offer Extends the Nuclear Arms Talks Framework
Originally, President Vladimir Putin indicated that Russia is willing to stay within New START limits for 1 year after its expiration if the United States reciprocates. The New START Treaty, ratified in 2010, limits both nations to 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads and 700 delivery systems.
In effect, the New Start Treaty takes the place of the START I nuclear arms reduction treaty and is the only remaining agreement between Washington and Moscow on the topic of nuclear arms control. Lavrov’s recent statement further expresses Russia’s willingness to maintain, at least, a minimal framework for nuclear stability, even amid deteriorating relations.
Lavrov Ready to Meet U.S. Secretary of State Rubio
Furthermore, Lavrov reiterated his readiness for a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as long as Russia’s interests are honored. “We have always been ready for dialogue, but such dialogue must be based on mutual respect,” he said. The possible talks could be the first in the direct relationship between U.S. and Russian diplomats since the war intensified over Ukraine.
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Kremlin Dismisses Information on Falling out Between Putin and Lavrov
In the meantime, the Kremlin dismissed reports of inquiries into Lavrov’s favor with President Vladimir Putin. Reports emerged following the retirement last month of the beginning of a Putin-Trump summit meeting. As reported by Reuters and The Financial Times, Washington requested a postponement after Moscow refused to change its position on Ukraine.
Lavrov’s discussions of inquired discussions with Rubio were supposedly one contributing factor for the announcement. But Kremlin officials have reiterated Lavrov’s considerable influence as one of their leading diplomats. However, with increasing diplomatic friction, Moscow continues to ameliorate confrontation with some selective cooperation in the diplomacy of nuclear arms control, viewed by both as crucial national and global security matters.
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