Russia is ready to adhere to the limitations provided by the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty after February 5 of the next year, when the treaty expires, stated Vladimir Putin at a meeting of the Russian Security Council.
The expiration of the START in 2026 "means the disappearance of the last agreement on direct limitations on missile potential," he reported, noting that Moscow wants to try to maintain the status quo achieved thanks to the START.
However, Putin set a condition: Russia's adherence to START limitations is possible only if the US takes similar steps. "In the future, based on the analysis of the situation, we will make a certain decision regarding the subsequent maintenance of these voluntary self-limitations. We believe that this measure will only be viable if the US acts similarly and does not take steps that undermine or violate the existing balance of deterrence potential," stated Putin.
Putin also told those gathered that it is precisely the "destructive actions of the West that have significantly undermined the foundations of dialogue among nuclear-armed countries," and the situation in the field of strategic stability continues to deteriorate.
At the same time, Putin warned that Russia "is capable of responding to any existing and newly emerging threats, not just in words, but with the use of military-technical measures," noting that he is confident in the reliability and effectiveness of his deterrent forces.