Vedant Patel, the Deputy Spokesperson for the United States Department of State, stated at a briefing that Washington has not observed any indications that Russia intends to move beyond or breach the limits set by the START treaty after Moscow suspended its participation in the agreement’s restrictive measures. The remark underscored the current U.S. assessment that the existing commitments remain in effect from Washington’s perspective, even as Russia has halted its engagement with the treaty framework. This clarification comes amid questions about how far Moscow might go in recommitting to the treaty or altering its posture within the strategic arms control regime.
Patel emphasized that there have been no signals suggesting Russia plans to alter or exceed the agreed ceilings. The absence of visible moves to surpass START limits was presented as a key data point in the routine briefings, reflecting Washington’s ongoing monitoring of Moscow’s actions within the broader arms control landscape. The statement arrived as part of a continuing effort to convey U.S. concerns and to outline the current interpretation of Moscow’s suspension in the context of strategic stability and international security.
The Russian Federation has, according to reports, ceased formal contact with the United States under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, a point raised by Sergey Lavrov, the head of Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lavrov’s remarks framed the situation as one where direct channels under START have stalled while Moscow assesses its options, leaving open questions about what kind of future dialogue might occur within or outside the treaty framework. This development has created a pause in the transactional rhythm that characterized earlier exchanges tied to the treaty’s provisions.
At present, Lavrov has not delineated concrete options or prospects for Moscow’s engagement with Washington within a potential framework like New START or any alternative diplomatic route. His comments reflect a cautious stance, signaling that Moscow is weighing its choices as it evaluates the strategic calculations around arms control, deterrence, and regional security interests. The dialogue, he implies, could take different forms depending on how Moscow perceives risk, verification, and the overall balance of strategic forces in the years ahead.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Federal Assembly on February 21 that Russia would suspend participation in the START Treaty. While stating the suspension, Putin made clear that Moscow had not formally withdrawn from the agreement, signaling a deliberate and reversible posture that keeps the door open for potential future reengagement. A week later, on February 28, Putin signed legislation formalizing the suspension, a move that signaled legislative support for the executive decision and a firm step in redefining Russia’s role within the treaty framework. The distinction between suspension and withdrawal has been a central theme in the public discussion, as analysts assess the possible implications for verification regimes, transparency, and mutual confidence-building measures that previously underpinned the treaty’s architecture.