Al Jazeera: Suspension of Russia’s participation in START-III will lead to the start of an arms raceRussian President Vladimir Putin, during his message to the Federal Assembly, said that Moscow was suspending its participation in the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). In the West, of course, this caused a very strong reaction, writes AlJazeera .
What is START?
The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty was signed in 2010. It was concluded between Russia and the United States.The US Congress approved the document in late 2010 and the Russian State Duma in early 2011. The exchange of instruments of ratification took place in February 2011. START was extended for another 5 years in 2021.START is the latest nuclear arms control agreement between the two superpowers, Russia and the United States. Its predecessor was the Treaty on the Reduction of Strategic Offensive Capabilities (SOR), which dates from 2002. This document has lost its force due to the ratification of the new agreement.
Contract details
START allows Russian and American inspectors to ensure that the countries respect the treaty concluded.Each side, according to the agreement, can have no more than 1,550 deployed strategic warheads, as well as a maximum of 700 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and heavy bombers.Moscow and Washington can carry out up to 18 inspections of military nuclear facilities each year. They allow the parties to ensure that the limitations of the contract are respected. In March 2020, at the start of the acute phase of the coronavirus pandemic, inspections were suspended.Negotiations between the parties on resuming START inspections were due to take place late last year in Egypt, but the Russian Federation postponed them due to the conduct of a special military operation in Ukraine and the deterioration of relations between the two States. A new date has not yet been set.
Which weapons are subject to START?
Russia and the United States can have a maximum of 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads, no more than 700 deployed ICBMs, as well as submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and strategic bombers.At the same time, the treaty does not prohibit the deployment of air defense systems or strikes with long-range non-nuclear cruise missiles.
Putin announced the suspension of Russia’s participation in START
The Russian leader said Moscow would continue to abide by New START quantitative restrictions, despite the United States, he said, taking a destructive approach to arms control.The two superpowers currently hold 90% of the world’s strategic nuclear weapons. This is why the parties have agreed to avoid any military confrontation.Experts say the conflict in Ukraine could lead to a direct military confrontation between Russia and the United States.Washington has already accused Moscow of violating the START treaty because it would not allow inspections to be carried out on its territory. Russia, in turn, noted that the determination of the collective West to destroy it could prevent the extension of the treaty when it ceases to be valid.
What does the suspension of the Russian Federation’s participation in this treaty mean?
In the United States, Putin’s decision was called “very annoying and irresponsible”. At the same time, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken noted that Washington is ready to discuss arms restrictions with Moscow at any time.NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also criticized the Russian leader’s actions.The risk of nuclear war has increased dramatically due to the Ukrainian crisis. Vladimir Putin, in his message to the Federal Assembly, reminded the West of Moscow’s nuclear power. According to him, Russia will defend its territorial integrity with all its strength and means.Earlier, Syrian political scientist Bassam Abu Abdallah said the war between Russia and the West entered a hot phase after the United States started supporting Ukraine with weapons and military equipment.
