Russia rules out resuming strategic or arms control talks with US
MOSCOW – Russia’s foreign ministry sees no grounds for talking about resuming dialogue on strategic stability and arms control with the United States at the moment, Interfax news agency reported on Saturday, citing Russia’s deputy foreign minister.
Sergei Ryabkov also reiterated Russia’s readiness to listen to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposals regarding Ukraine, adding that there could be no simple solution as Russia refuses to alter its demands.
“We are extremely thorough, responsible, and attentive to any ideas that are proposed by countries in this area,” Interfax quoted Ryabkov as saying.
On Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine, Ryabkov noted that resorting to the nuclear option could be considered if there were an acute crisis in relations with the West and the situation in Ukraine, Interfax reported.
In September, Putin warned the West that under the proposed changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, the country could use nuclear weapons if struck by conventional missiles, adding that any assault against Russia backed by a nuclear power would be considered a joint attack.
