Moscow is eager to restart arms control negotiations with the United States, emphasizing the importance of these discussions for global security. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov conveyed this message during a press briefing on Friday, stating that the talks should resume “as soon as possible.”
Peskov highlighted that such negotiations serve the interests of both nations and the world at large, remarking that the current situation requires action from the U.S. side. He elaborated, “Russia considers it necessary to resume disarmament negotiations as soon as possible, especially since the legal framework in the area of arms control has been significantly undermined, and not through the fault of the Russian Federation.” According to Peskov, the U.S. has effectively disengaged from the arms control framework, contributing to its deterioration.
Heightened tensions over arms control
The backdrop to these comments includes escalating tensions concerning arms control agreements, particularly following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This invasion led to a series of significant shifts in diplomatic relations and arms control policies. In February 2023, President Putin announced a suspension of Russia’s participation in the New START treaty, the last major nuclear arms control agreement between the two countries.
In response to Russia’s actions, the United States took measures to suspend certain elements of the treaty, including the cessation of data exchanges and inspections on U.S. soil, as announced in June 2023. This tit-for-tat approach has further strained the already tenuous relations between the two powers.
Shifting positions in Moscow
Peskov’s statement marks a notable shift in tone, especially following a recent assertion from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who dismissed the possibility of U.S.-Russian arms control discussions amid ongoing American support for Ukraine. However, just days after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, there appears to be a shift in Moscow’s approach, as the new administration looks to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
President Trump has directly attributed the prolonged conflict to Putin’s actions, warning of severe tariffs and sanctions on Russian products if an agreement to end hostilities is not reached. The evolving political landscape suggests that both nations may be re-evaluating their positions on arms control as they navigate this complex geopolitical arena.
“The United States has closed its participation and, in fact, undermined the existence of this legal framework.”