The G7 countries expressed regret over Russia’s decision to suspend the Agreement on Measures to Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Weapons (START or START III) and urged the Russian Federation to return to the agreement. This is stated in the joint statement expression G7 on nuclear disarmament adopted at the Hiroshima summit.
“We deeply regret Russia’s decision to undermine START and urge Russia to return to full implementation of the agreement,” the document said.
G7 leaders also expressed concern over China’s nuclear proliferation “without transparency and constructive dialogue”.
Earlier, US Ambassador to Moscow Lynn Tracy stated that the US authorities stay behind He committed to the implementation of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia.
The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty is the only document limiting the nuclear powers of Russia and the United States, which currently hold most of the world’s nuclear stockpiles. Moscow decided to suspend its participation in the agreement at the end of February 2023. START-3 expires on February 5, 2026, it can be extended for a period of five years by mutual agreement of the parties.