Today, experts agree that drafting a single document capable of replacing the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty would be unrealistic under current conditions. This conclusion was echoed by Vladimir Yermakov, who heads the Department of Non-Proliferation and Arms Control at Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by TASS. The message from him was clear: the moment demands are evaluated against real-world strategic dynamics, the idea of a one-to-one substitute for START simply does not materialize in the near term. (TASS)
In his view, any meaningful progress in arms control remains inextricably tied to the broader geopolitical and military-strategic environment. He stressed that serious steps in this field require a combination of political will and genuine dialogue between the involved parties, underpinned by a mutual readiness to negotiate with an approach grounded in awareness and concessions. When asked about the possibility of a new treaty to replace START, the diplomat underscored that negotiations could only advance if both sides acknowledged each other’s security concerns and demonstrated a willingness to engage in concrete dialogue. (TASS)
Yermakov asserted that the horizon for such a document, from the Western side, is still far from visible. He characterized the current landscape as markedly unfavorable to any initiative that would resemble a replacement for START, noting that expectations of a rapid breakthrough were not present. The assessment pointed to a stark contrast between aspirational rhetoric and practical steps, with optimism for new accords appearing distant at best. (TASS)
He argued that the prevailing dynamic has been shaped by an aggressive posture from the United States and its allies, which, in his interpretation, amounts to a hybrid campaign aimed not only at military deterrence but also at political and economic pressure against Russia. In his description, Moscow is confronted with strategies that aim to weaken its stance while preserving Western leverage in international affairs. The metaphor of Russia being pulled toward a position of disadvantage framed his analysis of how the alliance views strategic arms control within a broader campaign. (TASS)
According to Yermakov, the logic professed by Western policymakers rests on an assumption that a diminished Russia could be compelled to accept Western-dominated terms. He insisted that history has repeatedly demonstrated the fallacy of such a line of thought, arguing that a weakened Russia would face persistent resistance to external dictates rather than compromise. This stance reflects a broader Russian position that insists on equal footing in any future negotiation and a refusal to submit to pressure that ignores Moscow’s security priorities. (TASS)
Former Deputy Head of Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Sergey Ryabkov, added his perspective by stating that the United States has no basis to challenge Moscow’s decision to suspend participation in START. His remarks, reported in connection with discussions about the treaty, suggested a clear separation between suspension and withdrawal, implying that the legal framework of START remains relevant even as actions move in a different direction. (TASS)
In a public address to the Federal Assembly on February 21, Moscow signaled its stance by announcing that it had suspended participation in START, while stopping short of a full withdrawal from the agreement. A subsequent presidential decree formalized this stance on February 28, clarifying Russia’s position within the framework of existing accords. The development illustrates a careful recalibration of commitments rather than an abrupt exit, underscoring the complexity of arms control in a tense geopolitical environment. (TASS)