According to Moscow, a world without nuclear arms control is the new reality

Russia is prepared for a new reality in a world without nuclear arms control restrictions after the New START treaty expires at the end of this week. This was stated on Tuesday by the Russian representative for arms control.

Unless Moscow and Washington reach a last-minute bilateral agreement, the START treaty, signed in 2010 by US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, will expire on February 5.

"The absence of a response is also a response," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the state news agency TASS in Beijing about Washington's lack of response to Russian proposals to extend the limits of the New START treaty.

Russia was prepared for a new reality in which the world's two largest nuclear powers have no restrictions for the first time in decades, Ryabkov said, adding that Moscow supports China's position on arms control.

Regarding Iran, he said that the US proposals to Iran amounted to ultimatums. He also commented on the situation surrounding Greenland. According to him, if the US installs a number of missile defense systems on the island, Russia will have to take compensatory measures in its military sphere.

(reuters, max)