The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that it has temporarily closed its elements within the scope of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).
In the written statement made by the Ministry, the situation regarding the New START agreement signed between Russia and the USA was evaluated.
Stating that the US is trying to restart its arms control activities under favorable conditions, and thus Russia is deprived of its right to control in the US, the statement said, “Russia has notified the US, through diplomatic channels, that it has temporarily withdrawn all its elements within the scope of the New START from control activities. ” statement was included.
In the statement, it was noted that the decision taken will be canceled if the existing problems related to the resumption of audit activities under the agreement are resolved.
NEW START AGREEMENT
The “New START” agreement, which is the continuation of the Strategic Arms Reduction Agreements (START 1 and START 2) signed by the US with the Soviet Union in 1991 and with the Russian Federation in 1993, is the last nuclear agreement in effect between Washington and Moscow.
The agreement imposes restrictions on long-range nuclear warheads and missiles. The 10-year agreement, which entered into force on February 5, 2011, expired on February 5, 2021.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decision to extend the agreement for 5 years on January 29, 2021. The US administration also announced its decision to extend the agreement on February 5, 2021. (AA)