Lavrov Calls for U.S. to Reaffirm Commitment to New START Treaty Extension

Russia is willing to adhere to the numerical limits set forth in the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty for an additional year, contingent upon the United States doing the same, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Tuesday.

The New START Treaty, which is set to expire in February 2026, was widely believed to be effectively sidelined after Russia suspended its participation without formally withdrawing in 2023.

In September, President Vladimir Putin declared his willingness to maintain the treaty’s limits of 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 800 delivery vehicles for another year.

Lavrov emphasized, “We have consistently communicated that this proposal represents our unilateral goodwill gesture. The U.S. doesn’t need to engage in negotiations or consultations to support our stance,” during an interview with media representatives.

“All that is needed is a simple declaration from Washington that it will not increase the levels stipulated by the New START for one year,” he added, a statement that was also shared on the Foreign Ministry’s official website.

The Russian Foreign Minister suggested that Washington could make such an announcement anytime before the treaty’s deadline on February 5. However, he cautioned that Moscow would recommence nuclear testing if another nuclear state were to take similar action first.

Simultaneously, Lavrov dismissed U.S. allegations regarding “suspicious underground activities” at Russian testing sites but mentioned that Moscow is willing to discuss these claims.

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Russia and China of engaging in nuclear weapons testing and stated that he instructed the Pentagon to begin nuclear testing “on an equal footing” with other nuclear-armed nations. Trump’s comments followed Putin’s statement regarding recent tests of Russia’s nuclear-capable systems.

Lavrov rejected Trump’s assertions, explaining that Washington could verify whether Russia conducted any nuclear warhead tests using the global seismic monitoring system.

“Other types of tests, including subcritical tests, which do not involve a chain nuclear reaction, and carrier tests, have never been prohibited,” he noted.

Lavrov urged the two largest nuclear powers to “calm down, assess the situation, and recognize the responsibilities of major nations towards global security and nuclear war prevention.”

These statements came amidst days of media speculation regarding his standing with Putin after Trump canceled a planned summit with the Russian leader in Budapest the previous month.

The Kremlin spokesperson dismissed the rumors as “false” on Friday.

Lavrov confirmed in Tuesday’s interview that Russia remains open to organizing a potential U.S.-Russia summit in Budapest.

AFP contributed to this report.