Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov: START has a chance to be revived, but it’s entirely up to the US

MOSCOW, February 22 – RIA Novosti. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that there are chances for a revival of the Treaty on the Reduction of Strategic Assault Weapons (START) in its previous form, but that it all depends on the behavior of the United States.

In a message to the Bundestag on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia has suspended participation in the Russian-American Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and that the country has not withdrawn from the agreement. Before returning to the discussion, he said, “We must understand for ourselves what countries like France and Great Britain still claim and how to account for their strategic arsenals, namely the combined offensive potential of the (North Atlantic).” alliance”.

“I think (START – ed.) has a chance to be revived in its previous form, but it all depends on the behavior of the United States, whether they are aware of the harmful course they are taking towards Russia. Ryabkov spoke at the joint meeting of the Federation Council’s international relations and defense and security committees.

“If everything continues as it is now, if the anti-Russian raid continues, then of course I can’t imagine any renewal on our part – the renewal of the agreement and the resumption of its implementation are beyond our commitment. Central obligations,” he stressed.