Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that the development of Russia’s nuclear forces is an “absolute priority” after the expiration of the last nuclear deal with the US. TASR informs about it based on the AFP report.
- Putin called the development of Russian nuclear forces an absolute priority.
- The last nuclear deal between Russia and the US expired on February 5.
- Both Russia and the US declare interest in a new arms control agreement.
- Putin promises to strengthen the army, he will use the experience from the war in Ukraine.
- Washington requests the involvement of China in the negotiations, Moscow suggests the involvement of other countries as well.
“The development of the nuclear triad (designation for the state’s nuclear armament on the ground, in the air and under water, note TASR), which guarantees the security of Russia and ensures effective strategic deterrence and the balance of power in the world, remains an absolute priority” Putin said in a video released on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day, which is commemorated in Russia on February 23.
The Russian president promised to continue to “strengthen the army and navy” and draw on military experience from the conflict in Ukraine. “We will continue to increase the quality and potential of all components and types of the armed forces, improve their combat readiness and mobility, as well as their ability to operate under any conditions, including the most difficult ones,” he added.
Putin’s comments came just two days before the fourth anniversary of the start of the invasion by Russian forces in Ukraine, which destroyed cities, drove millions of people from their homes and caused great loss of life on both sides, AFP recalled.
Moscow and Washington – the two main nuclear powers – are no longer bound by any arms control agreement after the New START agreement expired on February 5. It was signed on April 8, 2010 in Prague by the presidents of the USA and Russia, Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, and in 2021 it was extended for another five years.
After its expiration, Russia first stated that does not consider itself bound by the terms of the contract, but later informed that it will continue to approach strategic nuclear capacities “responsibly” and respect the limits set for your arsenal.
Both the US and Russia have indicated that they want to conclude a new agreement on arms control. But Washington is pushing for China to join the talks, pointing to its growing nuclear arsenal. However, Moscow says that if Beijing joins the new agreement, the United States’ allies – Great Britain and France – should also join.
