The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed today the importance of extending the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty "New START" with the United States for as long as possible.
According to Sputnik, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today expressed Moscow's hope that the new U.S. administration would take a "constructive and positive stance in dialogue with Russia and consider all these factors." The statement added that it is clear that the practical implementation of these ideas involves significantly difficult and innovative work. The Ministry believes that extending the New START treaty for five years will contribute to success in this area. Moscow has confirmed its readiness for this work based on the principles of equality and mutual consideration of interests.
The mentioned treaty "New START" obliges both the U.S. and Russia to mutual reductions of strategic nuclear weapon arsenals, stipulating a reduction of nuclear warheads to 1,550 over a period of seven years and a reduction of intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and heavy bombers to 700 units. The document was designed for implementation within 10 years, with the possibility of extending it for another five years by mutual agreement of the signing parties.
The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty "New START," signed by Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev on April 8, 2010, in Prague, is the only active treaty between Russia and the United States regarding arms reduction. The treaty is set to expire in February of this year, and as of now, Washington has not decided whether to extend it. Russia, for its part, has repeatedly stated its readiness to discuss this matter.
