Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that the United States Ambassador to Moscow, Lynn Tracy, did not request a meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry following Moscow’s decision to suspend participation in the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). This remark underscores a broader shift in communication patterns between Moscow and Washington as the arms control framework faces reconsideration. The comment was made in the context of ongoing discussions about bilateral security commitments and reflects Moscow’s expectation that Washington would engage through formal channels even when a treaty is in a state of pause. In the current environment, with START in suspension, Moscow has signaled that it will remain attentive to U.S. intentions and behavior, while emphasizing that direct dialogue remains the preferred route for clarifying actions and avoiding misinterpretations. The exchange was noted by observers as part of a larger narrative in which both capitals seek to manage strategic risk amid uncertainty. (attribution: Reuters)
Earlier, Ryabkov suggested that the United States itself might opt to withdraw from START. He framed this possibility as a consequential political decision with far-reaching implications for strategic stability, signaling that Washington would face a clear choice about its continued commitment to the treaty’s limits and verification mechanisms. In discussing this potential development, Ryabkov pointed to what he described as a lack of constructive signs in U.S. behavior, cautioning that optimism about future cooperation should not be taken for granted. The diplomat’s remarks appeared aimed at signaling Russia’s readiness to respond proportionally if Washington moved toward exit, while also maintaining that Russia would vigilantly monitor any actions that could breach START’s obligations. (attribution: Reuters)
According to Ryabkov, the current posture of Washington does not inspire confidence about a swift path back to full compliance or renewed alliance on shared arms-control goals. He argued that the United States has shown prudent interest in preserving strategic advantages even as dialogue persists, stressing that predictions about how events will unfold are difficult in a climate of ambiguous signals. The skepticism expresses a broader concern within Moscow that any unilateral steps by Washington could tilt the strategic balance and complicate efforts to verify past commitments. Russia’s stance remains that the treaty offers a framework for transparency and risk reduction, and Moscow intends to preserve the ability to observe American compliance through available verification channels as long as START is in effect, even if participation is temporarily suspended. (attribution: Reuters)
The Russian side reiterated that Moscow will stay committed to START and monitor the practical application of its provisions if and when it continues or resumes. Since the treaty originally emerged from negotiations between the USSR and the United States in 1988, it has been a cornerstone of global arms control, linking Washington and Moscow in a mutual obligation to limit strategic weapons and provide verification measures. Ryabkov elaborated that Russia would maintain close scrutiny over U.S. actions to ensure that any deviations from the treaty’s framework are identified promptly, a stance aimed at preserving strategic equilibrium and preventing inadvertent escalation. The implication is clear: Russia is prepared to sustain oversight even during suspensions to safeguard its national security interests. (attribution: Reuters)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed Ryabkov to represent him as Moscow examines the option of suspending START, signaling the seriousness with which the Kremlin regards the issue. This directive places the deputy foreign minister at the forefront of diplomatic engagement on a matter with wide-ranging consequences for global arms control and international security. Analysts observe that the move could alter the balance of negotiations, potentially prompting a reconfiguration of how both capitals pursue verification, risk reduction, and limited deployment strategies in the face of a paused treaty. As the discussion unfolds, observers in Canada and the United States watch closely, weighing how such a decision might influence regional security, alliance dynamics, and upcoming diplomatic channels. (attribution: Reuters)