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The United States is willing to continue limiting the number of nuclear warheads and at the same time begin negotiations on a new nuclear weapons agreement with Russia. The Americans also want to discuss with China.
– We are ready to comply with the restrictions as long as Russia also does so, says US national security adviser Jake Sullivan in a speech before the organization Arms Control Association on Friday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in February that the country is pausing its participation in the existing agreement, New Start, which runs until February 2026.
Sullivan emphasizes that until the agreement expires, the United States intends to adhere to the current limit on the number of warheads – 1,550 per country.
The US is also “open to dialogue” about a new agreement with both Russia and the rapidly growing nuclear power China. Sullivan urges the leadership in Moscow for new talks soon.
– The US is ready to face Russia now to deal with the risks of nuclear weapons, he says.
Jake Sullivan notes that the situation today is different from during the Cold War, when the US only had Russia to deal with. According to him, China is estimated to possess 1,500 nuclear weapons by 2035.
– For the first time in history, the United States must deter two almost equal nuclear powers, he says, adding that the United States is ready for “unreserved” discussions with China.