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Lavrov: Russia Will Adhere to Nuclear Treaty if US Does the Same

Published February 11, 2026, 17:24
Lavrov: Russia Will Adhere to Nuclear Treaty if US Does the Same

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia will continue to adhere to the limits on missiles and warheads stipulated by the New START treaty with the United States, as long as Washington does the same. The treaty expired on February 5th, leaving the two countries without binding restrictions for the first time in over 50 years. Lavrov mentioned that Moscow will maintain the moratorium announced by President Putin, provided the US does not exceed the agreed-upon limits. The treaty's expiration has raised concerns about a new arms race, while some analysts argue that Russia seeks to avoid the cost of such a race due to the economic pressure from the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, Lavrov warned that Russia will take "countermeasures," including military ones, if Western countries strengthen their military presence in Greenland. Finally, the Foreign Minister criticized the new US restrictions on Russia's role regarding Venezuelan oil, characterizing them as biased.