Is it Essential for the Kremlin to Maintain Discussions with the US Regarding Ukraine?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kremlin emphasizes the need for dialogue with the US on Ukraine.
- Trump and Zelensky are pivotal figures in the peace negotiations.
- The New START treaty is the only active nuclear arms control agreement.
- Russia is awaiting a response from the US regarding arms limitation proposals.
- Continued discussions may shape the future of Ukraine's stability.
Moscow, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Kremlin emphasized on Thursday the importance of continuing its discussions with the United States concerning Ukraine.
In response to the potential visit of US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner to Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed anticipation for such a visit once the dates are finalized.
Peskov concurred with US President Donald Trump's assertion that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is impeding the peace negotiations, noting that the situation in Ukraine deteriorates daily as its options for decision-making diminish, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Trump stated to the press on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to negotiations, while Ukraine seems less prepared to engage. When questioned about the lack of resolution in US-led talks, Trump attributed the delay to Zelensky.
Additionally, Peskov mentioned that Russia is yet to receive feedback from the United States regarding its proposal to extend the arms limitations set by the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) for another year.
The New START treaty, which was signed by Russia and the United States in 2010, limits the number of deployed nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems, making it the sole active nuclear arms control agreement between these two nuclear powers.
In February 2021, Moscow and Washington renewed the treaty for an additional five years, extending it to February 2026.
In September, Putin indicated that Russia would continue to comply with the treaty if the United States is willing to reciprocate.