The nuclear nightmare returns. Russia chooses a confrontation with the West and its allied countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the law suspending Russia’s participation in the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). This was announced by Russian agencies. The Russian president had announced last week in a message to the Federal Assembly the suspension of Russia’s participation in the New Start treaty; and on February 22, the law was unanimously adopted by the State Duma and approved by the Federation Council.
The Pentagon is trying to pour water on the fire. “Frankly, Russia is in no position for a runaway nuclear arms race.” That’s what US Under Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl said when answering questions about Moscow’s recent decision to suspend its participation in New Start during a congressional hearing. “They don’t have the funds, especially given the pressure put on the military by war, sanctions, export controls,” the Pentagon official continued, adding that he believes Vladimir Putin made this announcement “for rhetorical headlines, but I don’t think so,” he said again. – that he changed the situation». Kahl, incidentally, recalled that Russia, “using Covid and other things as excuses, was no longer complying with the inspection regime” provided for by Start. “It is interesting that Putin has decided to suspend the treaty, instead of leaving it – concluded the undersecretary – I think this is actually an indication that there is no real pressure on us”.
Source: IL Tempo
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
