Title: Russia: Suspension of "New START" Hinders US Intelligence Activity

Russian news agencies reported today, Tuesday, that Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia's suspension of its participation in the "New START" treaty for nuclear arms reduction with the United States has presented Moscow with new opportunities to ensure its security. Russian officials have stated that sharing information related to Russia's nuclear capabilities with the United States is foolish, as this information could be transferred to Ukraine. Ryabkov affirmed in an interview with Russia 24 news channel, “We have gained additional opportunities to ensure our security.” He clarified that the United States utilizes "any channel and any window to understand the nature of our military situation,” thus the suspension of inspections and data-sharing agreements under the "New START" treaty will hinder US intelligence operations in gathering information. President Vladimir Putin announced Russia's withdrawal from the treaty in February, which is the last remaining agreement for nuclear arms reduction between the two superpowers.