NATO on Russia's Decision on Suspending Nuclear Treaty: Full Arms Control Architecture Has Been Dismantled

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called on Russia to reconsider its decision to suspend its participation in the last remaining nuclear arms control pact with the United States.

"I regret today's decision by Russia to suspend its participation in the New START treaty," Stoltenberg said at a press conference in Brussels with the participation of Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

He reminded that in recent years, Russia has violated key agreements on arms control.

"With today’s decision on New START, full arms control architecture has been dismantled. I strongly encourage Russia to reconsider its decision and respect existing agreements," Stoltenberg underlined.

As Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in his message to the Federal Assembly, Russia has suspended participation in the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which was extended for five years in 2021, remains the only valid arms control treaty between the Russian Federation and the United States.

Signed in 2010, the treaty limits the number of strategic missile carriers and nuclear warheads in the Russian Federation and the United States to 700 and 1,550 respectively. The contract can be extended for 5 years in case of goodwill of each of the parties.

Donald Trump's administration had been reluctant to extend the treaty, but his successor, Joe Biden, has agreed to extend New START.

As reported, Russia's foreign ministry has summoned U.S. ambassador Lynne Tracy, expressing complaints over growing support for Ukraine and the investigation of sabotage on the Nord Streams.