SAEDNEWS: Kremlin spokesman has called for the resolution of the issue of Britain and France's nuclear arsenals.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov: The future of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) should begin with direct talks between Moscow and Washington. After all, START is fundamentally a bilateral agreement.
Reporter: But what about other nuclear powers in Europe?
Peskov: Eventually, we cannot ignore the nuclear arsenals of London and Paris. Their weapons are part of the broader issue of European security and strategic stability.
Reporter: Can you remind us about the status of the treaty?
Peskov: The New START treaty, signed in 2010 by Presidents Obama and Medvedev, limits the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles, certain other missiles, and nuclear warheads for both Russia and the United States. It was extended in 2021 and is set to expire in February 2026.
Reporter: I understand Russia suspended participation in 2023. Does that mean the treaty is no longer effective?
Peskov: President Putin suspended Russia’s participation in protest of US support for Ukraine but did not withdraw from the treaty. Moscow continues to observe the treaty’s limits on deployed nuclear weapons. Recently, Putin proposed extending these limits for another year, and the White House welcomed this suggestion.
Reporter: What is the next step for START talks?
Peskov: Before starting formal dialogue, Russia wants clarity on how the arsenals of the United Kingdom and France will be considered. Meanwhile, both Moscow and Washington intend to voluntarily observe the treaty’s quantitative restrictions until its expiration.
Reporter: Has President Putin given a timeline?
Peskov: Yes, Putin announced that Russia is prepared to follow these limits for one year after the treaty expires in February 2026, provided Washington does the same.
