In view of recent criticism from the USA that Russia is not complying with the obligations under the nuclear agreement, Kremlin spokesman Peskov is not aware of any guilt. Rather, Washington itself is responsible for the "destruction" of the New Start Treaty. There are other allegations.
Following allegations by the United States regarding the New Start nuclear weapons control treaty, the Kremlin has for its part accused Washington of violating disarmament agreements. The United States had "destroyed the legal framework in the area of disarmament and security," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in Moscow. Russian ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said on Facebook that the responsibility for the escalation of the New Start problems "lies entirely with Washington". Moscow has adhered to the agreement "impeccably" and will continue to do so.
The US State Department accused the Russian government on Tuesday of suspending inspections and canceling planned arms control talks. However, Washington does not accuse Moscow of having increased the number of nuclear warheads above the permissible limit.
The New Start Treaty, signed in 2010, is the only remaining nuclear disarmament agreement between the United States and Russia. It obliges both countries to reduce their nuclear warheads. Shortly after taking office two years ago, US President Joe Biden extended the New Start Agreement until 2026.
Last August, Moscow announced it would suspend US inspections of Russian military sites as part of New Start. The Russian government has accused the US of obstructing Russian inspectors, which the government in Washington denies. The Russian military operation in Ukraine has pushed the already tense relations between Washington and Moscow to a new low.
Peskov also addressed unconfirmed reports that Washington plans to supply Ukraine with missiles with a range of up to 150 kilometers. The Kremlin spokesman accused the United States of contributing to a further escalation of the fighting. However, he also put the impact of such possible missile deliveries into perspective: "It would mean more effort for us. But, again, it would not change the course of events."
Kiev's Western backers have so far refused shipments of long-range ballistic missiles. They fear such missiles could be used to shell targets in Russia, further escalating the conflict.
