Russia: We are negotiating with the US through secret channels

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov made remarks to reporters about the New START Treaty between Russia and the US.

Expressing that they are ready to discuss various issues with the US, Ryabkov said that there is a possibility to meet with US representatives on the sidelines of the disarmament conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ryabkov said: “I can confirm that we have been discussing the New START Treaty through closed channels in recent days. This is an indisputable fact. It could be a continuation of these conversations.” saying.

On the other hand, recalling that Russia suspended its participation in the New START Treaty with the US, Ryabkov stressed that it is not possible to review this decision.

Ryabkov said: “We said we would do it. The President of Russia (Vladimir Putin) pointed this out in his speech to the Federal Assembly. The Russian Foreign Ministry also claimed in its February 21 statement that the agreement was different from the day it was prepared and signed, and that it could not stand it. used his statements.

NEW START AGREEMENT

In his speech to the Federal Assembly on February 21, Vladimir Putin announced that they suspended Russia’s participation in the New START Treaty with the United States, and yesterday they signed the law that suspended this agreement.

The New START Treaty, which is the continuation of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties (START 1 and START 2) signed by the US with the Soviet Union in 1991 and with the Russian Federation in 1993, is the last nuclear treaty in force between Washington and Moscow.

The treaty places restrictions on long-range nuclear warheads and missiles. The 10-year agreement, which took effect on February 5, 2011, expired on February 5, 2021.

Russian President Putin signed the decision to extend the treaty for 5 years on January 29, 2021. The US administration also announced its decision to extend the treaty on February 5, 2021. (BRITISH AUTOMOBILE CLUB)