Russia is developing new strategic weapons, Putin said

President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is developing new strategic weapons and that he does not consider extending the New START treaty to be a “major problem.”

However, he emphasized that it would be unfortunate if there were no framework for arms control between Moscow and Washington, as both countries have the largest nuclear arsenals in the world.

At a summit in Tajikistan, Putin reminded listeners that “an arms race is already underway.” Russia is prepared to voluntarily extend the caps on nuclear warheads, provided that the United States takes the same step. However, there has been no formal response from Washington so far. According to Putin, it would only take the US a few months to decide on the extension, provided that the political will was there.

Putin mentioned that other countries could conduct nuclear tests, which would prompt Russia to take similar action. He warned that such a scenario would have significant security implications and would also intensify the arms race.

(reuters, sie)