Russia would consider the use of nuclear weapons exclusively under extraordinary circumstances and solely for defensive purposes, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized in a statement made during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 15. Zakharova reaffirmed Russia's commitment to the principle of avoiding nuclear war and called upon all nuclear-armed states to adhere to similar postulates, Tass reports.
"Russia's nuclear deterrence policy is strictly defensive. The hypothetical use of nuclear weapons is clearly limited by extraordinary circumstances within the framework of strictly defensive purposes," Zakharova clarified.
Zakharova highlighted that Moscow was fully committed to the principle of the inadmissibility of nuclear war.
“There can be no winners in it. It must never be unleashed," Zakharova stressed. She further urged all nations, especially the signatories of the joint statement by the leaders of the five nuclear states, to uphold the commitment to prevent nuclear war and avoid an arms race.
At the same time, she did not rule out that Russia's decision to suspend the strategic arms reduction treaty (New START) could be reversible.
"In this case, yes, only if Washington shows the political will and exerts efforts to ease tensions and de-escalate and create conditions for the resumption of the full functioning of the treaty," Zakharova added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on February 21 that Moscow was suspending its participation in New START, but not withdrawing from it altogether. He expressed the need to consider the nuclear arsenals of not just the United States but also other NATO nuclear powers, Britain and France before it could get back to discussing the further operation of the treaty. On March 1, a law was signed officially suspending Russia's participation in New START.
The New START treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation ensures continued strategic arms control. The treaty that entered into force on February 5, 2011, limits deployed strategic nuclear weapons. The United States and the Russian Federation have agreed to extend the treaty through February 4, 2026 The treaty's renewal showcases a commitment to multilateralism and non-proliferation, reducing the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation and fostering a safer international environment.
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