Russian ambassador supposed that Britain and France should be included in wider nuclear arms control talks with the United States, according to the press service of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to Russia’s ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, it was inevitable the powers would eventually have to discuss broadening the arms control talks to include more powers.
“In the long term, it will not be possible to circumvent the issue of expanding the membership of the arms control agreements. The highest priority seems to be the involvement of the UK and France. They closely coordinate military nuclear policy with Washington within the NATO alliance. This issue has acquired particular urgency in the light of the recent decision of London to increase the maximum level of nuclear warheads by 40% – up to 260 units,” Antonov said.
Besides, the ambassador noted that Russia is open to discussion on any issues in the field of arms control including American concerns about its newest strat systems. However, such a conversation should not become “a one-way street”.
“The Americans will also have to listen to our claims and take into account Russian interests in the context of ensuring security. A dialogue will not work out without an open, equal exchange of views,” Antonov stressed.
Ru-Main, 30.07.2021
