As the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between Russia and the United States, approaches expiration, tensions are escalating regarding military posturing in strategic regions. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov’s remarks reflect a critical moment not only for global nuclear policy but also for international diplomacy, underscoring the urgency of renewed dialogue between two of the world’s leading powers in an increasingly fragile geopolitical landscape. This situation compels stakeholders to reassess their strategies in order to mitigate risks and foster a more stable global environment.
Moscow is prepared to respond if Washington implements its plans to place military weapons on Greenland, according to a senior Russian official. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia would take necessary military measures should the United States proceed with deploying its Golden Dome missile defense system to the Arctic island. These comments were made to reporters at the Russian embassy in China, as reported by TASS, just two days prior to the expiration of the New START treaty, which is the last remaining nuclear arms control pact between the two countries.
“If the Americans choose to move weapons systems into the region or deploy elements of their Golden Dome concept in Greenland, this will necessitate military and technical compensatory measures from our side, and our specialists are fully prepared for this,” Ryabkov commented firmly. These statements came in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous remarks about discussions regarding the Golden Dome program, a multilayered missile defense initiative set to be completed by the end of his term in 2029.
Trump controversially expressed interest in acquiring Greenland for strategic reasons, despite strong objections from Denmark, Greenland itself, and other European partners. Last month, he escalated tensions within transatlantic relations by threatening to impose tariffs on countries opposing his Greenland plans, although he later retracted this threat, claiming a framework for future discussions had been established with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Addressing the looming expiration of the New START treaty—scheduled to lapse unless unexpected agreements are reached—Ryabkov indicated that Russia had proposed continuing to adhere to the treaty’s limits for another year, but had yet to receive a response from the U.S. He emphasized, “We have completed everything necessary in a timely manner, and they had ample time to consider it. The lack of a response is also a response.”
To reestablish a meaningful dialogue on strategic security, Ryabkov asserted that the U.S. must undergo significant changes in its foreign policy toward Russia. However, he reiterated that Russia would not engage in a new arms race after the treaty’s expiration.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that the world is entering a dangerously precarious phase with the treaty due to expire. “In just a few days, the world will face a more perilous situation than it has ever confronted,” he warned, noting that the absence of this fundamental agreement would leave the two leading nuclear powers without critical limitations and controls over their arsenals.
Signed by former U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in 2010, the New START treaty established crucial caps on the number of strategic nuclear warheads deployed by both nations. Enforced since February 2011 and extended in 2021 for an additional five years under President Joe Biden, the treaty limits each country to 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and allows for a maximum of 700 long-range missiles and bombers. The accord also includes provisions for up to 18 inspections annually of each side’s strategic nuclear weapons sites to ensure compliance.
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