Defense News ,Russia :- Russia's top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov, rejected the United States' proposal to restart nuclear arms control talks, asserting that such discussions are unfeasible as long as Washington continues providing military assistance to Ukraine. Lavrov, speaking at an annual news conference, accused the West of heightening global security risks by endorsing Ukraine's increased strikes on Russian territory. He cautioned that Moscow remains committed to its goals in the conflict, irrespective of Western backing for Kyiv.
Addressing the U.S. proposal on nuclear arms control, Lavrov stated that Moscow has turned down the offer, emphasizing that any talks require a revision of Washington's current policy towards Russia. Lavrov criticized Washington's motives for reviving nuclear discussions, claiming it aims to resume inspections of Russia's nuclear weapons sites, which he deemed "indecent" considering Ukraine's attacks on Russian nuclear-capable bomber bases during the conflict.
In the midst of what Lavrov referred to as a "hybrid war" waged by Washington against Russia, he expressed skepticism about the feasibility of additional joint measures for arms control and the reduction of strategic risks. Lavrov tied the possibility of such talks to the West abandoning what he characterized as a malicious course aimed at undermining Russia's security and interests.
Lavrov contended that the U.S. push for nuclear arms talks stems from a desire to gain control over Russia's nuclear arsenal and minimize nuclear risks for itself. However, he argued that these risks result from forceful pressure on Russia and accused the West of obstructing talks to end the conflict while simultaneously encouraging escalated attacks.
According to Lavrov, the West's encouragement and provision of relevant weapons indicate a lack of interest in constructive solutions, pushing towards an escalation of the Ukrainian crisis and introducing new strategic risks. He reaffirmed Russia's commitment to its "special military operation" regardless of Western pressure, emphasizing that Russia cannot be defeated, and those in the West harboring such fantasies have failed to learn from history.
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