Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov declared on February 3 that Moscow will not make demarches to Washington before the expiration of the Strategic Offensive Arms Reduction Treaty (START-3).
The announcement coincided with growing concerns in the United States over the impending end of the treaty, which expires on March 5. Ryabkov emphasized that Russia has taken all necessary steps in advance and that the decision now rests entirely with the U.S.
“We did everything we needed to do earlier, in a timely manner,” Ryabkov stated. “They had plenty of time to think about it all. The lack of an answer is also an answer.”
Ryabkov further asserted that China supports Russia’s position that the breakdown of global strategic security is due to unilateral U.S. actions. He called for France and the United Kingdom to join multilateral negotiations to ensure arms control discussions remain balanced.
The deputy minister also accused French and British authorities of pursuing a “pronounced anti-Russian course,” claiming they are focused on expanding their capabilities in nuclear and other strategic areas that affect global stability.
Additionally, Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s Special Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation, noted increasing U.S. concerns that the window to extend START-3 is closing. He said even former President Barack Obama has expressed worry about the situation.
