(Reuters) – The new U.S. administration has yet to demonstrate any positive advancements in the realm of disarmament, as stated by Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva in a recently published interview. Gennady Gatilov conveyed Russia’s willingness to maintain cordial cooperative relations with any American administration, emphasizing their readiness to engage within the framework of the Conference on Disarmament. However, he expressed disappointment over the absence of tangible progress in this regard during discussions in Geneva.
The Conference on Disarmament, a vital international forum held in the city of Geneva, has played a pivotal role in negotiating significant multilateral agreements aimed at limiting and dismantling arms, particularly in the realm of nuclear non-proliferation. Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at the possibility of a new chapter in U.S.-Russian relations following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, underscoring the need for concrete actions to follow the rhetoric put forth by the new American leadership.
While both Trump and Putin have expressed eagerness to arrange a face-to-face meeting, discussions between the two countries on matters of nuclear arms control and broader security concerns have not yet been reinitiated. The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), a critical agreement imposing restrictions on the deployment of strategic nuclear warheads by the United States and Russia, along with land- and submarine-based missile delivery systems, is set to expire on February 5, 2026. It stands as the final pillar of nuclear arms control between the world’s premier nuclear powers.
As the situation unfolds, Russia remains vigilant in observing the actions and statements of the new U.S. administration, eagerly awaiting meaningful steps towards enhancing bilateral relations and advancing disarmament efforts. The prospect of a renewed era in U.S.-Russian relations hinges on translating promises into concrete actions, a sentiment echoed by Gatilov in the ongoing discourse surrounding nuclear arms control and global security challenges.
