Russia Gears Up for a Nuclear Arms-Free Future

Russia prepares for a world without nuclear arms control limits as the New START treaty is set to expire. With no response from the U.S. on extending the treaty, Russia braces for a new reality. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasizes Russia's readiness and supports China's arms control stance.

Russia is preparing for a world where nuclear arms control limits no longer exist, as the New START treaty is poised to expire this week, according to Russia's arms control expert.

Unless a last-minute agreement is reached between Moscow and Washington, the treaty—initially signed in 2010 by then-U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev—will lapse on February 5. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, speaking to TASS in Beijing, noted the absence of a U.S. response to Russia's proposals for extending the treaty limits. Ryabkov stated Russia's preparedness for this unprecedented scenario without arms limits between the world's two largest nuclear powers.

Additionally, Ryabkov expressed support for China's position on arms control and criticized U.S. demands on Iran. He warned that any U.S. deployment of missile defense systems in Greenland would compel Russia to adopt compensatory military strategies.

(With inputs from agencies.)