Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov accused the United States of accelerating the collapse of arms control agreements, calling it a direct result of Washington’s “destructive line” since the early 2000s. Speaking on October 8, Ryabkov stated that the “graveyard of arms control agreements” is expanding due to U.S. policies, which he linked to the administration of George W. Bush. He emphasized that the U.S. has systematically rejected principles vital for strategic stability and global security over decades.
Ryabkov noted that Russia maintains regular communication with American counterparts but highlighted that discussions on bilateral issues remain unresolved. He criticized the U.S. for advancing its nuclear testing infrastructure, stating Russia will not compromise its national security. Additionally, he referenced Russia’s decision to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), citing long-standing concerns about U.S. actions.
Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced readiness to extend START-3 restrictions beyond February 2026, contingent on U.S. compliance with stability measures. Meanwhile, independent expert Tariq Rauf reported that protocols from 1960s nuclear non-proliferation talks between the USSR and U.S. have been lost, revealing historical gaps in transparency.
