NATO Comments on Russia's Suspension of Participation in the START Treaty

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization expresses regret over Russia's decision to suspend its participation in the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). This statement was made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

He urged Russia to reconsider this decision.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in an address to the Federal Assembly that Russia is suspending its participation but is not withdrawing from the treaty on the reduction of strategic offensive arms.

The arms reduction treaty is the only regime for nuclear arms control between the United States and Russia, which the Biden administration extended for five years until 2026. Russia and the U.S. had already begun clarifying the parameters for a future treaty on nuclear weapon limitations; however, dialogue was disrupted following the onset of the military special operation in Ukraine.

According to the U.S. State Department, Washington is prepared to consider the possibility of a new phase of strategic dialogue with the Russian Federation but expects evidence of a good faith approach.