Faster Than Wind: Russia Extended New Start

“In the end of January, the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START) was extended for five years. However, whereas it was enough for the American side to get the US President’s decision and make the exchange of notes on the extension, the prolongation process in Russia required adopting a corresponding federal law.” Ratification process of the law extending the New START Treaty became notable for the decision-making high pace and Russia’s houses of parliament solidarity. This particular peculiarity explicitly demonstrates two different sides of the same coin. – this is the main note of the 529th issue of the Yaderny Kontrol bulletin.

“The necessary parameters for the next Russian-American arms control treaty should be inscribed in the broader context of maintaining bilateral strategic stability, which is called by the Russian Foreign Ministry as «new security equation». In such a paradigm, the new treaty should take into account new weapon systems and possible quantitative changes – while its elaboration will require the negotiation process in other areas covering issues of strategic stability.” Russian experts – on the prospects for strategic stability dialogue under the Biden administration.

“Dangerous synergy of nuclear and non-nuclear potentials observed in the US’ military exercises causes serious concerns. In particular, the integration of the nuclear and non-nuclear arsenal takes place within the same operational group. Thus, two American bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons were deployed at RAF Fairford, as well as two others, transferred to non-nuclear status.” – PIR Center Intern Konstantin Larionov and Nuclear Nonproliferation & Russia Program Coordinator Sergey Semenov analyze the US nuclear forces at the current stage.

“New START is the most significant arms control mechanism in nearly twenty years. This Treaty will provide predictability and mutual trust between countries possessing the world’s largest nuclear arsenals. It constitutes an important element of national security for both the United States and the Russian Federation.” How the future of the START Treaty was seen during the negotiations and signing process – PIR Center’s archive material.

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