Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov held a meeting with the US delegation on START

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov spoke about the meeting with the American delegation in Geneva, where the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) was discussed. At the same time, he noted that negotiations with representatives of Great Britain and France are not planned.

“We had a businesslike, professional conversation with the American delegation. Naturally, he was focused on the subject of START and everything that is happening around,” Mr. Ryabkov said during a press conference (quoted by TASS).

On February 21, during the announcement of the message to the Federal Assembly, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the suspension of Russia’s participation in the START. The head of state accused the United States of rejecting Russian bids under the treaty, and NATO of wanting to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. On February 22, the State Duma and the Federation Council approved the relevant draft law. On March 1, the United States announced its readiness to start negotiations with Russia on START.

For more details, see Kommersant’s article “Nuclear Treaty Suspended Without Objection.”

Milena Kostereva