Russia will not convince the US to extend New START
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow will not try to convince anyone, and will not discuss in depth the proposal regarding the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
In an interview with RIA Novosti, answering a question about whether the US would accept President Putin's proposal to comply with the restrictions under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and whether Moscow would propose a meeting with Washington to discuss the post-START era, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the constructive initiative put forward by President Putin “speaks for itself.” Therefore, according to Lavrov, Moscow does not need to discuss its ideas in depth.
The only thing that is needed is a US response, the Russian foreign minister said, stressing that Moscow would only comply with voluntary restrictions “if the other side also complies with them.”
“So far, there has been no concrete response from Washington. As we have been informed through diplomatic channels, 'the issue is under consideration'. We are not trying to convince anyone. We believe that our move is in the interests of both sides and the entire international community. We are prepared for any developments. However, we hope for a positive outcome,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Regarding the obstacles in negotiations with the US on a solution to the Ukraine issue, Mr. Lavrov said that Russia is currently waiting for confirmation from the US that the agreements in Alaska in August 2025 are still valid.
“I would like to emphasize that, although they are essentially compromises, Russia has not abandoned and will not abandon the fundamental principles on which we are based. And the US side understands this. We have also not forgotten the need to resolve the root causes of the conflict – something we have repeatedly stated,” the Russian foreign minister said.
Sergei Lavrov added that Russia-US relations still have many unpleasant problems inherited from the previous US administration. Therefore, “it will take a long time to sort out this mess.” With the new administration in charge, Russia feels a willingness to resume dialogue. “This process is underway, but not as quickly as we would like,” he said.
