Lavrov after the end of START: Russia will comply with the limits if the US does

Russia has announced that it will continue to respect the limits set out in the expired New START nuclear treaty if the United States takes the same approach.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the State Duma that Russia's moratorium remains in force, but only until the US exceeds the originally agreed ceilings for strategic missiles and warheads.

The 2010 treaty expired on February 5, leaving Washington and Moscow without binding limits on their nuclear arsenals for the first time in more than 50 years.

US President Donald Trump rejected Russia's proposal for a temporary extension of the agreement and spoke of the need for a "new and modernized" treaty.

Analysts warn that the situation could accelerate the arms race not only between the US and Russia, but also in the triangle with China. At the same time, Moscow seems to be aware of the financial risks of an arms race at a time of ongoing war in Ukraine.

(reuters, pir)