Russian President Putin: Ready To Extend New START Arms Control Treaty Without Conditions

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during the International Volunteer Forum at the Olympic Park in Sochi, Russia December 5, 2019. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS

RT: Russia ready to extend New START arms control treaty without conditions and further discussions – Putin

Moscow is ready to extend the last major nuclear arms control treaty, without conditions or discussions, President Vladimir Putin said as he reiterated Russia’s position on the New START treaty which expires in 2021.

“Russia is ready to immediately, as soon as possible, before the end of the year, extend the New START treaty without any preconditions, so that there would be no double, triple interpretation of our position later. I’m saying this officially,” the Russian president pointed out.

The New START treaty, which obliges Moscow and Washington to reduce the number of its strategic nuclear missile launchers by half, was signed in April 2010. The agreement expires in February 2021, but there’s an option for it to be extended until 2026.

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WNU Editor: I can understand why the US abandoned the INF treaty .... China is the new player on the scene, and they are under no restrictions on the number of intermediate nuclear missiles that they can deploy. START is different. It involves strategic nuclear missiles, and the U.S. and Russia are the only real game in town. But this offer from Russian President Putin is going to fall on deaf ears. The White House is focused on impeachment, and after that it will be the Presidential election. It will be only after the US Presidential election that Putin can expect any progress on this file, and that is if President Trump wins re-election.

More News On Russian President Putin's Offer To Extend New START Arms Control Treaty Without Conditions

Russia is willing to extend New START nuclear treaty, Putin says -- AP
Putin says Russia ready to extend New START nuclear arms treaty -- Reuters
Putin seeks rapid renewal of key nuclear deal with US -- AFP
Putin offers immediate extension of key nuclear treaty -- The Hill
Russia Ready To Extend New START Arms Pact "Without Preconditions" By Year-End: Putin -- Zero Hedge