Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that Moscow is “ready” to negotiate a new arms control treaty with the United States
In a chilling development, Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia has tested a “new kind of weapon”. Speaking at a press conference in Tajikistan, the Russian leader revealed his nation’s ongoing efforts to develop and test new nuclear weapons.
Putin also expressed hope that Moscow and Washington would agree to extend the 2010 New START arms reduction treaty for another year after its expiration in February. This agreement restricts each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers.
Last month, US President Donald Trump responded positively to Putin’s proposal for an extension, stating it sounded “like a good idea”.
On Friday (October 10), the Russian autocrat suggested that there is still ample time for Russia and the US to agree on an extension “if there is a good will”. However, he cautioned that if the US decides against it, then it’s not a critical issue for Russia “at all”.
He then claimed that Russia has upgraded its strategic nuclear arsenals and is preparing to deploy new weapons. Concurrently, he warned that the termination of the pact would result in no remaining arms control agreement between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, reports the Express.
Putin stated: “We’re ready to negotiate if the Americans, the American side, sees it as acceptable and useful. If not, then no. It would be a pity, because there would be nothing left at all in terms of deterrence in the area of strategic offensive weapons.”
Russia’s leader also heaped praise on Mr Trump’s peace initiatives, despite the US leader failing to secure a Nobel.
When asked whether he believed Mr Trump had been unfairly overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize in favour of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado, Putin responded that the decision wasn’t his to make.
He proceeded to commend Mr Trump’s work towards achieving a ceasefire in both Gaza and Ukraine. Putin remarked: “He’s really doing a lot to resolve such complex crises that have lasted for years and even decades.”
He further stated that should the Gaza ceasefire agreement be implemented, it would represent a “historic” accomplishment. Regarding the Ukrainian conflict, Putin revealed that he and Mr Trump had explored potential solutions during their Alaska summit in August.
The Russian president indicated that there was a mutual understanding about the direction both the US and Russia “should move” and what they “should strive” for to bring the conflict to an end.
Putin continued by explaining that he had informed Mr Trump in Alaska that he required additional time to consider the matter and consult with Russia’s allies. He stated: “These are complex issues that require further analysis, but we remain committed to the discussion that took place in Anchorage.”
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