Russia, acting as the coordinator for the informal nuclear states group, plans to propose consultations in the Nuclear Five format. The next expert-level session is expected to take place alongside the UN General Assembly’s First Committee meetings in New York. This information was shared by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov during a conversation with RIA News.
The diplomat characterized the Nuclear Five format as a distinct track that does not hinge on the broader U.S.-Russia dialogue on strategic stability, noting that the five states have their own separate agendas to pursue.
Ryabkov indicated that Moscow aims to broaden the discussion agenda rather than limit it to nuclear risks alone. The proposal includes advancing work on a new cycle of negotiations related to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and addressing issues tied to nuclear weapons. The effort seeks to shape the interaction among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council on matters connected to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
He stressed that these nuclear-focused discussions are not intended to affect bilateral issues between Russia and the United States, underscoring that the two tracks remain separate in his view.
The Nuclear Five refers to an informal alliance of nations possessing nuclear weapons. The group traditionally comprises Russia, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
Previously a point of discussion, the question remains how to address the risks and realities of potential nuclear explosions and the broader implications for regional and global security. The ongoing dialogue within this framework aims to clarify shared priorities and identify practical steps that align with international non-proliferation norms while considering the strategic interests of member states.