Russia, US discuss New START treaty via closed channels

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Wednesday that Russia and the US discussed the implementation of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) via closed channels.

"I can confirm that in recent days we have held discussions on the topic of the New START via closed channels," Ryabkov told reporters in Moscow.

He said US representatives asked in detail about Russia's suspension of the treaty, adding: "I hope we have given exhaustive explanations."

Ryabkov said that on Feb. 28 the Foreign Ministry handed the US Embassy in Moscow a diplomatic note about the suspension of the treaty.

He also said Russia does not see any changes in the US’ "destructive position," therefore the decision about suspension remains effective.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law suspending Russia's participation in the only remaining arms control treaty with the US on Tuesday.

Last week, Putin said Moscow was suspending the New START treaty because of Washington’s growing involvement in the Ukraine war.

Signed in 2010 and extended in 2021 for another five years, the treaty aims to control and reduce strategic nuclear forces used by the US and Russia.