Russia Reiterates Its Request to Extend the New START Treaty
Russian authorities have once again publicly urged the extension of the nuclear arms control agreement known as New START. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that Moscow has already delivered a concrete offer to the US administration. However, no official response has yet come from the US capital. This pact, designed to limit deployed strategic nuclear warheads, formally expired in 2026. Although there was an agreement to freeze arsenals during talks, that bilateral understanding also expired. 🕰️
Opposing Positions and Stalled Dialogue
Washington's official position has been more reserved. While some officials have previously expressed willingness to talk, they insist that any new framework must be verifiable and include all contemporary nuclear systems. On the other hand, Russia sets as a prerequisite that the United States withdraw its military support for Ukraine. This exchange of demands has completely blocked any progress in the discussions.
Key Points of the Stalemate:- Russia awaits a response to its extension proposal.
- The US prioritizes verifiable agreements covering modern technology.
- Support for Ukraine is Russia's main condition for resuming dialogue.
Without inspections or data exchange, both powers operate with less transparency about each other's capabilities.
Consequences for International Stability
The absence of an active treaty restricting atomic arsenals generates great uncertainty on the strategic level. Defense experts warn that this situation could fuel a new arms race and increase the likelihood of miscalculations. In a scenario of already intense frictions, there is alarm at how one of the last pillars of global nuclear stability is wearing away.
Identified Risks:- Increase in mutual distrust and lack of transparency.
- Potential for renewed arms competition.
- Greater risk of misinterpretations during crises.
A Silent and Dangerous Dialogue
As diplomatic channels remain inactive, it is the missiles, silently in their silos, that seem to sustain the only conversation constant between the two powers. This is undoubtedly the riskiest exchange of all, where the lack of verbal communication increases dangers for the entire international community. ⚠️