US approaches Russia on nuclear arms control

The US government’s offer of nuclear arms control talks to Russia and China without preconditions does not mean the nuclear powers will not be held accountable for their reckless behavior, US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jack Sullivan said in Washington today. But instead of waiting for all bilateral differences to be resolved, they are willing to start negotiations to avoid new conflicts.

Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the suspension of the New START Treaty with the United States, the last major nuclear arms control treaty. It controls both countries’ nuclear arsenals and regulates inspections. It earned severe criticism in the West.

Sullivan said Russia will continue to be notified in advance of ballistic missile launches and major strategic exercises. However, detailed information will not be provided to Moscow on a regular basis, as New START actually envisions. “These measures will serve to prevent Russia from reaping the benefits of an agreement that it refuses to respect and uphold the principle of reciprocity (…),” Sullivan said.