Russia is testing whether the United States is genuinely prepared to negotiate a new framework to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as START-3. This stance surfaced at the NPT Review Conference, according to a report from DEA News. The Russian side pressed the point to understand if the U.S. intention is serious negotiation or simply polite words that sound nice but lack real action. Source: DEA News.
Former United States President Joe Biden has stated that American authorities are ready to engage immediately with Russia on a fresh weapons-control system that would stand in for START-3. The declaration signals a potential opening for substantive talks, though details and timelines remain to be defined. Source: DEA News.
After START-3, Russia’s Ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, emphasized that the absence of ongoing dialogue on strategic stability does not serve the interests of the United States either. He urged that this issue should be revisited now to prevent growing gaps in bilateral security ties. Source: DEA News.
START-3 was originally signed by Russia and the United States in 2010, marking a major milestone in arms control. At the start of 2021, both sides agreed to extend the agreement for five more years, delaying its expiration to February 5, 2026. The extension acknowledged the importance of verification and transparency in reducing strategic armaments as global security dynamics evolve. Source: DEA News.
As Washington and Moscow consider a possible transition away from START-3, analysts note that any new treaty would need to address missile defenses, counting rules, verification mechanisms, and the broader strategic balance. The discussions could shape allied and partner-country expectations in North America and beyond, influencing regional security planning and diplomacy in both Canada and the United States. Source: DEA News.