Russia unmoved on arms pact with U.S.

Kuala Lumpur

Russia’s stance on its strategic arms reduction agreement with the U.S., set to expire in February 2026, remains unchanged, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.

Shoigu emphasized that such agreements require constant supervision. He criticized external interference in the treaty’s mechanisms, stating it leads to failures. “The five-year extension granted under the Biden administration is nearing its end. The question now is whether to extend it further or create a new deal. These are issues to be addressed with the next U.S. administration,” Shoigu stated after meeting Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin, speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, reaffirmed Moscow’s willingness to engage in multilateral arms control talks. However, he stressed that productive negotiations require mutual respect and strategic stability.

Russia’s UN Representative in Geneva, Gennady Gatilov, stated that Washington has yet to show readiness for serious nuclear disarmament discussions. The New START treaty, which limits nuclear arsenals, is set to expire in February 2026, with no substantial talks on its renewal.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a tripartite nuclear arms reduction summit with Russia and China. Trump argued that global stockpiles are excessive, urging cuts in nuclear weapons and military spending. Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed this proposal, suggesting a 50% reduction in U.S. and Russian defense budgets, with China possibly joining later.