He claimed that the withdrawal of participation from the treaty was due to the declaration of Russia’s defeat in Ukraine by the US and its NATO members. Putin alleged that they wanted to impose a ‘strategic defeat’ on Russia but also wanted to get hold of the country’s nuclear equipment.
President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation on Tuesday, February 21.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the country’s decision to suspend participation in the New START treaty with the US. The information was made public while addressing the nation from Moscow on Tuesday, February 21. This was the last treaty between Russia and the United States that controlled nuclear arsenals on both sides.
While delivering a speech in the parliament, Putin declared, “In this regard, I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation in the strategic offensive arms treaty.” He emphasized that the country is not pulling out of the treaty, it is just suspending its participation. The decision anticipates future jeopardy as 90 per cent of the nuclear weapons are held between the two states.
Putin also mentioned Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear energy company, to inform them of the country’s willingness to test a nuclear weapon in case of necessity. He added, “Of course, we will not be the first to do this.” “But if the United States tests, then we will.” “No one must be under any dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed.”
He claimed that the withdrawal of participation from the treaty was due to the declaration of Russia’s defeat in Ukraine by the US and its NATO members. Putin alleged that they wanted to impose a ‘strategic defeat’ on Russia but also wanted to get hold of the country’s nuclear equipment. In this regard, he declared the nation’s decision to incorporate with the treaty.
In his annual address to the Federal Assembly, Putin indicated the involvement of the US in the attacks against Ukraine. Russia was asked to inspect its nuclear bases under the New START treaty by NATO, which he found senseless. He also apprehends America’s intention to inflict defeat on Russia and obtain its weapons and nuclear power.
New START
New START is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the US and Russia to limit life-threatening and abusive arms. The treaty was signed by then-US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on April 8, 2010. It went into force on February 5, 2011.
When Joe Biden took over the position of American President in 2021, he prolonged the treaty for five more years. The treaty allowed both countries to keep a check on each other regarding their obedience towards the treaty. The scrutinization was adjourned during the time of the pandemic in March 2020.
The proclamation was made three days before the first anniversary of Russia’s incursion into Ukraine. After several denials of allegations of attacking Ukraine, Russia invaded the country in 2021.
Russia opposed the expansion of NATO and ordered Ukraine not to join the alliance. He questioned Ukraine’s right to exist and blamed the country as just a puppet for the West. The incident created a global aversion to Russia’s deeds, and many countries turned against the country. Despite all the hatred, Russia declared the seizure of a few parts of southern and eastern Ukraine.
Even though Putin said that the country’s intention is to stay away from constant participation in the treaty, it can gradually lead to withdrawal from the treaty itself. Russia could be slyly implying its reluctance to comply with the treaty anymore. As a response to the news, NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said, “I strongly encourage Russia to reconsider its decision and respect existing agreements.”
– Kavya Pradeep M