Background on Key Figures and Relevant Context
The current situation revolves around the New START, the last nuclear weapons agreement between Russia and the United States. This treaty limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads each country can possess. In 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended Russia’s participation in the New START due to US support for Ukraine. Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, expressed pessimism about the prospects of saving this agreement in a recent interview with TASS.
Ryabkov’s Statements and Their Implications
Ryabkov described the relations between Russia and the US as being in a “bad state.” He stated that there are no grounds for a large-scale resumption of the New START under current circumstances, especially since the treaty expires in eight months. He also highlighted that destabilizing programs like the Golden Dome proposed by former US President Donald Trump create significant obstacles for any future arms control negotiations.
The Golden Dome project, estimated at $175 billion, aims to counter threats from China and Russia by creating a network of satellites for detecting, tracking, and potentially intercepting incoming missiles. Critics argue that this initiative could escalate space militarization, prompting other nations to develop similar systems or advanced weapons to bypass the missile shield.
Potential Consequences of New START’s Expiration
If Russia decides to disregard the treaty’s limits, experts warn that its nuclear arsenal could theoretically increase by up to 60% with the addition of hundreds of nuclear warheads. This scenario raises concerns about a new arms race amidst heightened international tensions due to the Ukraine conflict, which both Putin and Trump have suggested could lead to World War III.
Ukrainian Drone Attacks and Russian Response
Ryabkov’s comments came during the same week that Ukraine surprised Russia by launching drone attacks against Russian airbases housing heavy bombers that are part of its nuclear deterrent force. Russia has stated it will respond when deemed necessary by its military.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the New START agreement? The New START is a nuclear weapons control treaty between Russia and the United States, limiting the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads each country can possess.
- Why did Russia suspend its participation in the New START? Russia suspended its involvement due to US support for Ukraine, as announced by President Vladimir Putin in 2023.
- What is the Golden Dome project? The Golden Dome is a proposed US missile defense system valued at $175 billion, intended to counter threats from China and Russia using a network of satellites for detecting, tracking, and intercepting incoming missiles.
- What are the concerns surrounding the Golden Dome project? Critics argue that this initiative could escalate space militarization, prompting other nations to develop similar systems or advanced weapons to bypass the proposed missile shield.
- What are the potential consequences if the New START expires without extension or replacement? Experts warn that Russia could theoretically increase its nuclear arsenal by up to 60% if it disregards the treaty’s limits, raising concerns about a new arms race amidst heightened international tensions.
