Russia Rules Out New START Verification Restart, Presses Conditional One-Year Limits

Overview

• Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said restarting the New START consultative commission is not in sight, noting Russia postponed a planned 2022 meeting.
• Ryabkov reiterated that Russia has fully suspended New START mechanisms, saying on-site inspections, demonstrations, meetings, and data exchanges cannot resume.
• The Kremlin proposes both sides voluntarily keep New START’s central limits for one year after the treaty expires on February 5, 2026.
• Russia conditions the offer on U.S. reciprocity and on refraining from steps that would devalue Russia’s deterrence, including actions in strategic defense.
• Washington’s formal response has not been issued, though President Donald Trump called the idea “a good idea,” and Moscow warns failure to agree would create a restraint vacuum and heighten nuclear tensions.