Kremlin: We will remain responsible even after New START expires

On Thursday, the Kremlin announced that Russia would continue to take a responsible approach to strategic nuclear stability issues even after the New START treaty expires. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that this was a negative development that Moscow regretted, but that it did not intend to act rashly.

The New START treaty was the last valid nuclear arms control instrument between Russia and the United States and set limits on strategic warheads, missiles, and launchers.

According to Peskov, Russia proposed a voluntary one-year extension to allow time for negotiations on a new agreement, but Washington did not formally respond to the proposal.

The Kremlin emphasizes that further developments will depend on the behavior of the other party, with Russia primarily guided by its own national interests.

The issue of the treaty's expiration was also raised in a recent phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

(reuters, pir)