The United States Department of Defense outlined a clear expectation: Russia should return to strategic stability negotiations. This position was conveyed by General Anthony Cotton, head of the United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM), and was echoed by a Pentagon spokesperson in a statement carried by the press service. The message signals a preference for resuming discussions on arms control and strategic stability among major powers, including Russia and China, with the United States urging all sides to rejoin formal talks.
Speaking publicly, a Pentagon representative affirmed support for the Strategic Offensive Weapons Reduction and Limitation Treaty, commonly known as START. The official underscored the importance of verifiable limits on strategic forces and the preservation of a predictable security framework that benefits allies and partners across North America and beyond.
General Cotton articulated a pragmatic view: Washington seeks a return to the negotiating table with key players, particularly Russia and China, to address long-standing arms control concerns. He acknowledged, however, that the likelihood of such negotiations resuming remains uncertain. The commander noted that forward planning must proceed with or without a renewed dialogue, highlighting the need to maintain readiness and resilience in a shifting security landscape.
In policy remarks tied to those strategic considerations, the Defense Department official stressed the imperative of creating and sustaining a capable force posture even if formal talks do not resume promptly. The emphasis was on preserving deterrence credibility and ensuring that United States forces remain prepared to respond to evolving threats while pursuing diplomatic pathways that could reduce regional and global risk.
On the international stage, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commented in November that the resumption of New START procedures would not be discussed with the United States while Washington continued to assist Ukraine with long-range weapons. This stance reflects Russia’s position that arms control negotiations are intertwined with broader security and regional dynamics. The exchange underscores the delicate balance between diplomatic engagement and the strategic realities shaping Moscow’s approach to arms control compliance.
Russia has previously stated its intent to continue fulfilling its obligations under the treaty framework after withdrawing from certain provisions of New START. While Moscow emphasizes continued compliance in some respects, the evolving environment—marked by shifts in alliance politics, regional conflicts, and modernization programs—adds layers of complexity to any future agreement. The broader message from Moscow suggests a desire to keep channels open for dialogue while linking progress to perceptions of fairness and reciprocity in the arms control process. (Citation: DoD press service report summarizing official statements and statements attributed therein.)
Observers in Canada and the United States alike are watching how the United States position translates into practical policy moves. Analysts suggest that a renewed focus on transparency measures, verification, and risk reduction could build confidence among allied nations. This would align with regional security goals in North America while addressing global concerns about strategic stability among major powers. The interplay between defense planning, alliance commitments, and diplomatic engagement remains central to shaping a stable, predictable security environment in the Western Hemisphere and beyond. (Attribution: Department of Defense communications and public disclosures.)