In a statement released by Moscow, Russia emphasized the importance of engaging in discussions with the United States regarding arms control following President Donald Trump’s recent call for nuclear powers to disarm. The Kremlin also stressed the need to include Europe’s nuclear capabilities in these conversations, particularly in light of French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to extend France’s nuclear protection to other European countries.
President Trump, who has expressed a commitment to denuclearization for his second term, urged all nations to eliminate their nuclear weapons during a recent address. He highlighted the significant nuclear arsenals held by both Russia and the United States, with China expected to reach similar levels in the coming years. Trump emphasized the dangers posed by nuclear weapons and the importance of global disarmament.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded to Trump’s remarks by emphasizing the necessity of dialogue between Russia and the U.S. on arms control, especially in the context of strategic stability. Peskov also underlined the significance of including European nuclear arsenals in these discussions, particularly following Macron’s recent statements regarding nuclear security in Europe.
The speech delivered by Macron, in which he mentioned the potential extension of France’s nuclear umbrella and raised concerns about Russia’s threat to Europe, was met with criticism from the Kremlin. Russian officials characterized Macron’s remarks as confrontational and accused France of asserting nuclear dominance in Europe.
With Russia and the United States possessing the largest nuclear arsenals globally, efforts to extend the existing U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty, New START, face challenges. The treaty, which limits the deployment of strategic nuclear warheads, is set to expire in February 2026. President Trump has expressed interest in discussing nuclear limitations with both Russian President Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, although specific timelines for these talks have yet to be established.
The ongoing discussions surrounding nuclear dialogue and arms control underscore the importance of international cooperation in promoting global peace and security.
