Russia signals willingness to keep talking with Western powers on arms control, but only if the United States and its allies drop what Moscow calls anti-Russian policy and approach. This stance emerged in remarks attributed to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with TASS.
Lavrov stated that discussions with the United States about the New START Treaty and the prospects for a successor agreement will not proceed while Washington maintains an anti-Russian trajectory. He emphasized that any meaningful dialogue must begin with a clear reversal of such policies, and that equality in negotiations and recognition of Russia’s interests are essential, along with acceptance of new geopolitical realities. Without these conditions, Lavrov argued, talks would be futile.
In late February, President Vladimir Putin signed a law suspending Russia’s participation in the Treaty on the Reduction of Strategic Offensive Arms, a development Lavrov framed as a strategic move in response to current security dynamics. The measure underscores Moscow’s position that the existing arms control framework cannot function under what it views as Western coercion or interference in Russia’s security interests.
Lavrov had previously asserted in November that Moscow would not engage in resuming New START procedures with Washington as long as the United States continues to assist Ukraine by supplying long-range weapons that could threaten Russian territory. This line reflects Moscow’s expectation that Western actions in the Ukraine conflict define the scope of any future arms talks.
Other statements from Russia’s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, reiterate Moscow’s position that preconditions for renewed dialogue on New START do not exist. The Russian side has stressed that without a change in Western behavior, negotiations cannot move forward in good faith.
Analysts note that the current posture places arms control discussions within a broader political framework. While Moscow says it remains open to the idea of controls, it insists on equality, respect for Russia’s security concerns, and an acknowledgment of evolving geopolitical realities. The conversation, as described by Russian officials, is not about shutting doors but about ensuring a balanced and non-coercive environment where limits and verification could be meaningful rather than symbolic. (Source: TASS)