Kremlin: Russia awaiting US response to nuclear agreement

Russia has not yet received a response from the US to President Vladimir Putin's proposal to extend the New START nuclear treaty, which expires in three weeks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the issue as extremely important.

The 2010 agreement, signed by Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, limits the number of strategic warheads and delivery systems and is a key pillar of the nuclear balance between Moscow and Washington.

US President Donald Trump is cautious about extending the treaty and is proposing a new agreement that would also involve China. However, China refuses to participate, calling the proposal unrealistic.

Russia also emphasizes that discussions on strategic security should include the nuclear arsenals of Great Britain and France. The Kremlin warns that the path to a new agreement would be long and difficult.

(reuters, pir)