In a statement released Monday by state agency Tass, the State Department said Russia has decided to “temporarily” suspend inspections of US facilities under the New Start agreement, which limits nuclear weapons (8).
“On August 8, 2022, the Russian Federation officially announced to the United States through diplomatic channels that our country has temporarily withdrawn its facilities subject to inspection under this agreement from inspection activities. Contracted facilities,” the statement said. Agency.
The memo also states that Moscow will continue to abide by all the limits of the agreement valid until 2026, but “reserves the right to conduct inspections from more realistic positions”.
In addition, the Russian government points out that it is “the most important tool to ensure international security and stability”, but points out that there are “problematic issues” in this regard.
“Following the resolution of existing problematic issues regarding the resumption of deal audit activities, the exemptions announced by us can be immediately canceled and fully restarted. We are ready to achieve this goal and expect a similar approach on the American side.” emphasizing the ministry.
The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New Beginning), first signed in 2010, is the only relevant agreement between the two powers that is still in force and was last renewed in January 2021 by Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin. Basically, in addition to controls, the text limits each country to having a maximum of 1,550 nuclear warheads and 700 missiles in operation.
The announcement is another phase of escalating tensions between the two countries, which have intensified sharply since Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine in February this year.
As a result, Washington has imposed numerous sanctions on thousands of companies and individuals affiliated with the Kremlin for their economic, political and even religious support for the war in the neighboring country.
source: Noticias
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