Moscow has decided to postpone the consultation meetings with the United States regarding the New START treaty as Washington continues to back Ukraine’s military efforts. A State Department spokesperson criticized the US for pressing its own interests in shaping the nuclear agreement, while reaffirming that Russia remains committed to the pact long term. The comment underscored a belief that Washington and its allies show a consistent readiness to shape outcomes that could hurt Russia, even as formal commitments are highlighted.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed the postponement in a television interview, explaining that the plan to meet in Cairo has been suspended. He described the current move as a measure that could trigger greater tension, noting that the Moscow commission had already announced the adjournment and that the Kremlin later confirmed the decision. He added that the next steps would be aligned with how Washington approaches the situation and suggested that a new round of discussions might not occur until later in the year.
He also stated that the critical issue remains the strategic security framework and the interest in reducing the size of nuclear arsenals and limiting offensive strategic weapons. The dialogue since the decision will be conditional on mutual readiness and the willingness of both sides to engage seriously on verification and enforcement measures. As with prior rounds, the main objective remains maintaining a stable strategic balance while avoiding any misinterpretations that could lead to uncontrolled escalation.
Goodwill
Arms Control Association board member Laura Kennedy commented on the postponement, calling the move irresponsible given the significance of direct dialogue between the two largest nuclear powers. Kennedy highlighted that stalling such discussions comes at a time of rising tensions and could undermine confidence in diplomatic channels that have historically helped prevent miscalculations.
Earlier this year, the U.S. president signaled openness to renegotiating a new framework to replace New START when it expires in 2026. The president noted that a key prerequisite for any new arrangement is a partner able to operate in good faith within a credible verification regime. He also pointed out that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine complicates reaching any agreement, as it adds a layer of risk to trust-building efforts and long-term arms control commitments. The speech underscored a belief that flexible diplomacy is essential, even as strategic rivalries complicate the path forward, and it called for continued engagement to explore potential pathways toward renewed arms control that can be verifiable and durable. These remarks reflect a cautious optimism that dialogue can resume once mutual interests align and practical steps toward transparency can be agreed upon by both sides. [citation attribution]