Russia Calls for a Shift in U.S. Policy to Move START Talks Forward
Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, argues that Washington should rethink its current stance toward Moscow to create the conditions for the full resumption of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). The observation comes as part of ongoing discussions reported by DEA News. The ambassador emphasizes that a less confrontational approach from the United States could pave the way for a renewed and effective partnership on arms control, rooted in mutual respect and verifiable steps.
Antonov states that a recalibration of U.S. policy is necessary to establish the environment for all elements of START to function as intended. He cautions that without changes in tone and posture, efforts to restore the treaty’s full operational status may stall or falter. The ambassador also notes that there has been little movement toward any meaningful, symbolic gestures from Washington that would signal a commitment to rapprochement on strategic arms issues.
On a parallel track, Dmitry Peskov, the Russian presidential spokesman, indicated that Russia will not advance participation in START unless Moscow’s security concerns are addressed by Western partners. This position reflects Moscow’s demand for a more balanced security framework where Western actions correspond to stated commitments and reciprocal measures.
Reports from the U.S. side suggest that channels managed by senior U.S. officials are exploring the way forward for START talks. Mallory Stewart, a profile assistant to the U.S. Secretary of State, has been identified as part of a non-public contact network used to discuss the future of START with Moscow. The existence of these discreet discussions signals an interest on both sides in clarifying positions and potential concessions, even as public rhetoric remains cautious.
Earlier, Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, signaled that Russia decided to suspend its participation in START. He described the move as a logical and appropriate response from Moscow under the evolving security environment and noted that Western reactions were not anticipated to be favorable. This decision underscores the ongoing volatility in strategic arms dialogue and the domestic and international pressures shaping it. In the American view, some observers interpret these Russian steps as a reminder that real security decisions require mutual assurances and verifiable commitments, rather than unilateral gestures. In Moscow, officials stress that genuine parity on security concerns is a prerequisite for any meaningful restart of the treaty’s provisions. [Attribution: official briefings from the Kremlin and Moscow’s foreign policy bodies]
Analysts in both Canada and the United States are watching the situation closely, recognizing that START remains a cornerstone for strategic stability in the North American theater. They stress that renewed dialogue should balance transparency, verification, and predictability while avoiding escalatory rhetoric. The broader regional context—covering NATO–Russia relations, deterrence posture, and nonproliferation norms—adds urgency to achieving a sustainable path back to full treaty functionality. Observers also point out that public diplomacy, technical exchanges, and confidence-building measures can complement formal negotiations, reducing misperceptions on both sides. [Editorial notes from regional policy institutes]