In the early 1990s, at a sprawling air base in the Arizona desert, the United States Air Force began doing something that would have been unthinkable a decade earlier: deliberately destroying its own nuclear-capable B-52 bombers, one by one, using a method that was as brutal as it was theatrical.&nbsp;The Treaty That Required Destruction&nbsp;The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as START I, was signed on July 31, 1991, by US President George H.W. Bush and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. It was the most ambitious nuclear arms reduction agreement in history, capping both nations at 6,000 deployed nuclear warheads and 1,600 intercontinental ballistic missiles and heavy bombers. For the United States, meeting the bomber limits meant reducing its B-52 fleet — and under the terms of the treaty, the reductions had to be verifiable. The aircraft could not simply be mothballed or quietly scrapped. They had to be destroyed in a way that the other side could independently confirm.&nbsp;A 13,000-Pound Blade&nbsp;The method chosen was as direct as it was dramatic. At Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, home to the military's vast aircraft storage and regeneration facility known as the Boneyard, 375 B-52 bombers were lined up for destruction. A 13,000-pound steel blade, suspended from a crane, was dropped onto each aircraft. The blade sliced through each bomber four times: twice to sever the wings and twice to cut the fuselage into three sections. The result was a B-52 reduced to five large pieces of metal, spread across the desert floor in a pattern that was unmistakable from above.&nbsp;Three Months In The Sun For Russian Eyes&nbsp;The severed sections of each B-52 were not immediately removed. Under the terms of the treaty, they were left in place on the desert floor for a minimum of three months, specifically so that Russian reconnaissance satellites passing overhead could photograph the wreckage and independently verify that the bombers had been destroyed. The positioning of the pieces was deliberate: wings separated from fuselage, fuselage in distinct sections, the destruction pattern clearly visible from orbital altitude. Only after the verification period had passed were the remains sold for scrap metal.&nbsp;Diplomacy By Destruction&nbsp;The B-52 guillotine programme remains one of the most striking images of Cold War arms control, nuclear-capable bombers that had once been built to deter the Soviet Union, now being chopped apart in the open desert so the Soviet Union's successor state could watch and confirm. The irony was not lost on the airmen who had flown these aircraft. Some of the B-52s destroyed at Davis-Monthan had served for more than 30 years, flown combat missions in Vietnam, and spent decades on nuclear alert. Their final mission was to lie in pieces in the Arizona sun, proving to a former enemy that America was keeping its word.

Under the START treaty, 375 B-52s were sliced apart by a 13,000-pound blade at Davis-Monthan AFB and left in the desert for 3 months so Russian satellites could confirm destruction.

In the early 1990s, at a sprawling air base in the Arizona desert, the United States Air Force began doing something that would have been unthinkable a decade earlier: deliberately destroying its own nuclear-capable B-52 bombers, one by one, using a method that was as brutal as it was theatrical. The Treaty That Required Destruction The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as START I, was signed on July 31, 1991, by US President George H.W. Bush and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. It was the most ambitious nuclear arms reduction agreement in history, capping both nations at 6,000 deployed nuclear warheads and 1,600 intercontinental ballistic missiles and heavy bombers. For the United States, meeting the bomber limits meant reducing its B-52 fleet — and under the terms of the treaty, the reductions had to be verifiable. The aircraft could not simply be mothballed or quietly scrapped. They had to be destroyed in a way that the other side could independently confirm. A 13,000-Pound Blade The method chosen was as direct as it was dramatic. At Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, home to the military's vast aircraft storage and regeneration facility known as the Boneyard, 375 B-52 bombers were lined up for destruction. A 13,000-pound steel blade, suspended from a crane, was dropped onto each aircraft. The blade sliced through each bomber four times: twice to sever the wings and twice to cut the fuselage into three sections. The result was a B-52 reduced to five large pieces of metal, spread across the desert floor in a pattern that was unmistakable from above. Three Months In The Sun For Russian Eyes The severed sections of each B-52 were not immediately removed. Under the terms of the treaty, they were left in place on the desert floor for a minimum of three months, specifically so that Russian reconnaissance satellites passing overhead could photograph the wreckage and independently verify that the bombers had been destroyed. The positioning of the pieces was deliberate: wings separated from fuselage, fuselage in distinct sections, the destruction pattern clearly visible from orbital altitude. Only after the verification period had passed were the remains sold for scrap metal. Diplomacy By Destruction The B-52 guillotine programme remains one of the most striking images of Cold War arms control, nuclear-capable bombers that had once been built to deter the Soviet Union, now being chopped apart in the open desert so the Soviet Union's successor state could watch and confirm. The irony was not lost on the airmen who had flown these aircraft. Some of the B-52s destroyed at Davis-Monthan had served for more than 30 years, flown combat missions in Vietnam, and spent decades on nuclear alert. Their final mission was to lie in pieces in the Arizona sun, proving to a former enemy that America was keeping its word.

Under the START nuclear arms treaty, the United States was required to verifiably destroy hundreds of B-52 bombers. At Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, a 13,000-pound steel blade was dropped from a crane onto each aircraft, slicing it into pieces.&nbsp;

US once literally chopped B-52 bombers in half with a guillotine so Russian satellites could watch

As the Russia-Ukraine war marks four years, President Vladimir Putin says developing Russia’s nuclear forces was now an “absolute priority” following the expiry of its last remaining nuclear treaty with the US. With Oreshnik systems in focus, tactical nukes in Belarus, and a global stockpile of around 12,000 warheads, the story explains what this shift means for Europe, NATO, and the future of global security.

US-Russia Nuclear Treaty: Russia Moves Nuclear Weapons Near Europe Amid Treaty Expiration

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (Jul 28) declared his nation won't shy away from resuming production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons if the US goes ahead with plans of deploying such missiles to Germany or elsewhere in Europe. These missiles can travel between 500 and 5,500 kilometres.

“If the United States carries out such plans, we will consider ourselves liberated from the unilateral moratorium previously adopted on the deployment of medium- and short-range strike capabilities,” Putin threatened during a naval parade in Saint Petersburg.

Notably, intermediate-range nuclear weapons were subject to an arms control treaty that the US and Soviet Union signed in 1987. However, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty collapsed in 2019 after both sides accused each other of violations.

Following the withdrawal from the treaty, Russia announced it wouldn't start production of the weapons until the US started deploying these missiles abroad.

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Earlier this month, the US announced it will start “episodic deployments” of long-range US missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, in Germany beginning 2026.

Now, Russia sees it as a direct threat to its national security. After the deployment by the US, Putin said that “important Russian administrative and military sites” would fall within the range of such missiles that “could in the future be equipped with nuclear warheads, such that our territories would be within around 10 minutes” of a strike being launched.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia: Putin's Judo partner to retain his $34 million mansion in the UK

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“This situation reminds us of the events of the Cold War linked to the deployment of American Pershing medium-range missiles in Europe,” the Russian leader added.

Earlier in March, Putin had said Russia was "technically ready" for a nuclear war if the US sent troops to Ukraine.

"From a military-technical point of view, we are, of course, ready," Putin had said.

"I don't think that here everything is rushing to it (nuclear confrontation), but we are ready for this," the Russian leader further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (Jul 28) declared his nation won't shy away from resuming production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons if the US goes ahead with plans of deploying such missiles to Germany or elsewhere in Europe.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (Jul 28) declared his nation won't shy away from resuming production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons if the US goes ahead with plans of deploying such missiles to Germany or elsewhere in Europe. These missiles can travel between 500 and 5,500 kilometres. “If the United States carries out such plans, we will consider ourselves liberated from the unilateral moratorium previously adopted on the deployment of medium- and short-range strike capabilities,” Putin threatened during a naval parade in Saint Petersburg. Notably, intermediate-range nuclear weapons were subject to an arms control treaty that the US and Soviet Union signed in 1987. However, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty collapsed in 2019 after both sides accused each other of violations. Following the withdrawal from the treaty, Russia announced it wouldn't start production of the weapons until the US started deploying these missiles abroad. Also read: India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report Earlier this month, the US announced it will start “episodic deployments” of long-range US missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, in Germany beginning 2026. Now, Russia sees it as a direct threat to its national security. After the deployment by the US, Putin said that “important Russian administrative and military sites” would fall within the range of such missiles that “could in the future be equipped with nuclear warheads, such that our territories would be within around 10 minutes” of a strike being launched. Watch: Russia: Putin's Judo partner to retain his $34 million mansion in the UK × “This situation reminds us of the events of the Cold War linked to the deployment of American Pershing medium-range missiles in Europe,” the Russian leader added. Earlier in March, Putin had said Russia was "technically ready" for a nuclear war if the US sent troops to Ukraine. "From a military-technical point of view, we are, of course, ready," Putin had said. "I don't think that here everything is rushing to it (nuclear confrontation), but we are ready for this," the Russian leader further said. (With inputs from agencies)

Tit for tat? Putin warns Russia may resume production of intermediate-range nuclear weapons

The US on Tuesday said it will stop exchanging with Russia some data on its nuclear forces. The move is a response to Moscow suspending its participation in the New START nuclear arms treaty. Since "Russia has not been in full compliance and refused to share data which we ... agreed in New START to share biannually," the US has "decided to likewise not share that data,"&nbsp;John Kirby, the National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, told reporters.

Watch |&nbsp;Will Russia-US respect 'new start treaty'?&nbsp;

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He added that Washington "would prefer to be able to do (this) but it requires them (Russia) being willing to as well."

A spokesperson for the National Security Council said that "under international law, the United States has the right to respond to Russia's breaches of the New START Treaty by taking proportionate and reversible countermeasures in order to induce Russia to return to compliance with its obligations."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-successfully-tests-supersonic-missiles-at-target-in-sea-of-japan-576736">Russian Navy successfully tests supersonic missiles at mock target in Sea of Japan: Russian defence ministry</a>

"That means that because Russia's claimed suspension of the New START Treaty is legally invalid, the US is legally permitted to withhold our biannual data update in response to Russia's breaches," they added.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin has not formally withdrawn from the New START treaty, his February 21 suspension imperils the last pillar of US-Russian arms control, Reuters said in a report.&nbsp;Between them, the two nations hold nearly 90 per cent of the world's nuclear arsenal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-nuclear-weapons-plans-in-belarus-dangerous-and-irresponsible-nato-575926">Russia's nuclear weapons plans in Belarus 'dangerous and irresponsible': NATO</a>

The treaty was signed in 2010 and was due to expire in 2026. Under the New START treaty's "Biannual Data Exchanges," the two nations are required to provide a declaration of deployed strategic delivery vehicles, launchers and warheads. The number&nbsp;is capped at no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and 700 land- and submarine-based missiles and bombers to deliver them.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US on Tuesday said it will stop exchanging with Russia some data on its nuclear forces. The move is a response to Moscow suspending its participation in the New START nuclear arms treaty.

The US on Tuesday said it will stop exchanging with Russia some data on its nuclear forces. The move is a response to Moscow suspending its participation in the New START nuclear arms treaty. Since "Russia has not been in full compliance and refused to share data which we ... agreed in New START to share biannually," the US has "decided to likewise not share that data," John Kirby, the National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, told reporters. Watch | Will Russia-US respect 'new start treaty'? He added that Washington "would prefer to be able to do (this) but it requires them (Russia) being willing to as well." A spokesperson for the National Security Council said that "under international law, the United States has the right to respond to Russia's breaches of the New START Treaty by taking proportionate and reversible countermeasures in order to induce Russia to return to compliance with its obligations." Also read | Russian Navy successfully tests supersonic missiles at mock target in Sea of Japan: Russian defence ministry "That means that because Russia's claimed suspension of the New START Treaty is legally invalid, the US is legally permitted to withhold our biannual data update in response to Russia's breaches," they added. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has not formally withdrawn from the New START treaty, his February 21 suspension imperils the last pillar of US-Russian arms control, Reuters said in a report. Between them, the two nations hold nearly 90 per cent of the world's nuclear arsenal. Also read | Russia's nuclear weapons plans in Belarus 'dangerous and irresponsible': NATO The treaty was signed in 2010 and was due to expire in 2026. Under the New START treaty's "Biannual Data Exchanges," the two nations are required to provide a declaration of deployed strategic delivery vehicles, launchers and warheads. The number is capped at no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and 700 land- and submarine-based missiles and bombers to deliver them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In retaliation to Russia pulling back from New START treaty, US decides to withhold nuclear data

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday condemned the decision of Russian president Vladimir Putin to suspend Moscow’s participation in the US-Russia nuclear arms control treaty, calling it a “big mistake”.

The US president made the comment as he ended his wartime visit to Europe in Poland which was aimed at improving partnerships with allies on the eastern flank of NATO. Biden was holding a meeting with eastern European leaders and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in Warsaw.

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"It's a big mistake to do that, not very responsible. But I don't read into that that he's thinking of using nuclear weapons or anything like that," said the US president, adding that he had seen "no evidence" of any change in Moscow’s posture on the use of nuclear arms. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the participation of Moscow in the New START arms treaty will be suspended during a state of the nation address, a decision which had received approval from Russian lawmakers on Wednesday. Through the 2010 deal, the two nations committed to limiting their stockpile of nuclear warheads.

‘You’re the frontlines of our collective defence’, says Biden to Bucharest Nine

Addressing Bucharest Nine, which includes Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, Biden said, “You’re the frontlines of our collective defence.”

“And you know, better than anyone, what’s at stake in this conflict. Not just for Ukraine, but for the freedom of democracies throughout Europe and around the world,” he further stated.

WATCH | US President Biden rallies NATO allies in Poland, says 'Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia'

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Addressing the anxiety of these countries that Putin may take military action against them next if he achieves success in Ukraine, Biden said that the mutual defence pact of NATO is “sacred” and that “we will defend literally every inch of NATO”. Meanwhile, Stoltenberg said, “We cannot allow Russia to continue to chip away at European security. We must break the cycle of Russian aggression.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday condemned the decision of Russian president Vladimir Putin to suspend Moscow’s participation in the US-Russia nuclear arms control treaty, calling it a “big mistake”.

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday condemned the decision of Russian president Vladimir Putin to suspend Moscow’s participation in the US-Russia nuclear arms control treaty, calling it a “big mistake”. The US president made the comment as he ended his wartime visit to Europe in Poland which was aimed at improving partnerships with allies on the eastern flank of NATO. Biden was holding a meeting with eastern European leaders and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in Warsaw. ALSO READ | Russia conducted ICBM test launch while Biden was in Ukraine, it failed: Report "It's a big mistake to do that, not very responsible. But I don't read into that that he's thinking of using nuclear weapons or anything like that," said the US president, adding that he had seen "no evidence" of any change in Moscow’s posture on the use of nuclear arms. On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the participation of Moscow in the New START arms treaty will be suspended during a state of the nation address, a decision which had received approval from Russian lawmakers on Wednesday. Through the 2010 deal, the two nations committed to limiting their stockpile of nuclear warheads. ‘You’re the frontlines of our collective defence’, says Biden to Bucharest Nine Addressing Bucharest Nine, which includes Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, Biden said, “You’re the frontlines of our collective defence.” “And you know, better than anyone, what’s at stake in this conflict. Not just for Ukraine, but for the freedom of democracies throughout Europe and around the world,” he further stated. WATCH | US President Biden rallies NATO allies in Poland, says 'Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia' Addressing the anxiety of these countries that Putin may take military action against them next if he achieves success in Ukraine, Biden said that the mutual defence pact of NATO is “sacred” and that “we will defend literally every inch of NATO”. Meanwhile, Stoltenberg said, “We cannot allow Russia to continue to chip away at European security. We must break the cycle of Russian aggression.” (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Big mistake’ | Biden says Putin’s decision to withdraw from nuclear treaty ‘not very responsible’

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Amid simmering tensions between Washington and Moscow, the Interfax news agency reported that Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov claimed on Monday that he discussed the New START nuclear arms control treaty with new United States ambassador Lynne Tracy last week. The New START treaty is deemed crucial for global peace as it is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the US and Russia. The treaty aims to have control over nuclear arms in both nations, but it is set to expire in 2026. Experts have raised concerns and urged that the treaty should be revived. ALSO READ | Russia 'recruiting female prisoners' to contribute to Ukraine war, report claims A few days ago after the US alleged that Moscow is violating the New START nuclear treaty, Russia expressed its interest to preserve its last remaining nuclear treaty with the US, despite calling it a destructive approach by America for controlling arms. Meanwhile, Ryabkov has now claimed that Russia was committed to the treaty. However, he mentioned that a date had been set for new talks because of the Ukraine conflict. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine defence minister sacked: All about the corruption scandal × Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters last week that "no matter how sad the situation is at the present time," it was actually necessary to preserve at least some "hints" of continued dialogue with Washington. Peskov said that "we consider the continuation of this treaty very important" as he described it as the only one that remained "at least hypothetically viable". He added, "Otherwise, we see that the United States has actually destroyed the legal framework for arms control." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia reportedly discussed crucial nuclear arms treaty with US ambassador

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russia has responded to the claims made by the United States that Moscow is violating the New START nuclear treaty. Russia on Wednesday (February 1) said that it intends to preserve its last remaining nuclear treaty with the US despite calling it a destructive approach by America for controlling arms. Dmitry Peskov, who is the Kremlin spokesman, told reporters that "no matter how sad the situation is at the present time", it was actually necessary to preserve at least some "hints" of continued dialogue with Washington. Peskov said that "we consider the continuation of this treaty very important" as he described it as the only one that remained "at least hypothetically viable". He added, "Otherwise, we see that the United States has actually destroyed the legal framework for arms control." For the unversed, the New START is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the US and Russia with an aim to have control over nuclear arms in both nations. WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: US readies $2.4bn Ukraine aid package; Zelensky lobbying hard for NATO jets × The formal name of the treaty is Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms and it was signed on April 8, 2010, in Prague. After ratification, it was entered into force on February 5, 2011. The treaty aims to put limits on the two countries over the deployment of nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles and heavy bombers. The New START is set to expire in 2026 and experts have raised concerns and urged that the treaty should be revived. Meanwhile, the US has claimed that Russia had violated the terms of the New START Treaty, stating that Moscow was refusing to allow inspection activities on its territory. A State Department spokesperson said: "Russia's refusal to facilitate inspection activities prevents the United States from exercising important rights under the treaty and threatens the viability of US-Russian nuclear arms control." (With inouts from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New START nuclear treaty: Russia considers continuation of this 'important' treaty

Iran is reviewing the United States’ response to an EU-drafted agreement that would restore the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and Western nations. As speculations over the revival of the nuke deal continue to mount, Israel has now said that its spy chief will meet US officials and will participate in closed-door meetings.

Israel ramps up pressure on US over nuclear deal, spy chief to meet officials

The United States has extended the New START nuclear disarmament treaty with Russia for five years starting Wednesday.

The agreement&nbsp;was due to expire on February 5. It&nbsp;is often seen as a rare opportunity for compromise between Moscow and Washington, whose ties have dramatically deteriorated in recent years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had, on last Friday, signed off legislation extending the accord.

"President Biden pledged to keep the American people safe from nuclear threats by restoring US leadership on arms control and nonproliferation," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

He added, "Today, the United States took the first step toward making good on that pledge when it extended the New START Treaty with the Russian Federation for five years."

The New START treaty is the last remaining arms reduction pact between the former Cold War rivals. Signed in 2010, New START caps to 1,550 the number of nuclear warheads that can be deployed by Moscow and Washington, which control the world's largest nuclear arsenals.

The United States has extended the New START nuclear disarmament treaty with Russia for five years starting Wednesday. The agreement was due to expire on February 5.

The United States has extended the New START nuclear disarmament treaty with Russia for five years starting Wednesday. The agreement was due to expire on February 5. It is often seen as a rare opportunity for compromise between Moscow and Washington, whose ties have dramatically deteriorated in recent years. Russian President Vladimir Putin had, on last Friday, signed off legislation extending the accord. "President Biden pledged to keep the American people safe from nuclear threats by restoring US leadership on arms control and nonproliferation," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. He added, "Today, the United States took the first step toward making good on that pledge when it extended the New START Treaty with the Russian Federation for five years." The New START treaty is the last remaining arms reduction pact between the former Cold War rivals. Signed in 2010, New START caps to 1,550 the number of nuclear warheads that can be deployed by Moscow and Washington, which control the world's largest nuclear arsenals.

US extends New START nuclear arms treaty with Russia

The Kremlin on Friday welcomed the stated intention of US President Joe Biden to extend the New START arms control treaty with Russia, but said that Moscow wanted to see concrete proposals from Washington.

The White House said on Thursday that Biden would seek a five-year extension of the arms control treaty that is due to expire in early February, in one of the first major foreign policy decisions of the new administration.

To this end, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Moscow stands for extending the pact and that it was important to see the detail of the US proposal. The Trump administration had sought to attach conditions to any renewal, something Moscow rejected.

“We can only welcome political will to extend the document," Peskov said in a conference call with reporters. “But all will depend on the details of the proposal."

The treaty, signed in 2010 by President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads. It expires on February 5.

Russia has long proposed to prolong the pact without any conditions or changes, but Trump’s administration waited until last year to start talks and made the extension contingent on a set of demands. The talks stalled, and months of bargaining have failed to narrow differences.

“Certain conditions for the extension have been put forward, and some of them have been absolutely unacceptable for us, so let's see first what the US is offering," Peskov said.

Biden indicated during the campaign that he favoured the preservation of the New START treaty, which was negotiated during his tenure as US vice president.

The talks on the treaty’s extension also were clouded by tensions between Russia and the United States, which have been fuelled by Moscow’s meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and other irritants.

Despite the extension proposal, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden remains committed to holding Russia “to account for its reckless and adversarial actions," such as its alleged involvement in the Solar Winds hacking event, 2020 election interference, the chemical poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny and the widely reported allegations that Russia may have offered bounties to the Taliban to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan.

Peskov has, meanwhile, reaffirmed Russia’s denial of involvement in any such activities. 
&nbsp;

The Kremlin on Friday welcomed the stated intention of US President Joe Biden to extend the New START arms control treaty with Russia, but said that Moscow wanted to see concrete proposals from Washington.

The Kremlin on Friday welcomed the stated intention of US President Joe Biden to extend the New START arms control treaty with Russia, but said that Moscow wanted to see concrete proposals from Washington. The White House said on Thursday that Biden would seek a five-year extension of the arms control treaty that is due to expire in early February, in one of the first major foreign policy decisions of the new administration. To this end, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Moscow stands for extending the pact and that it was important to see the detail of the US proposal. The Trump administration had sought to attach conditions to any renewal, something Moscow rejected. “We can only welcome political will to extend the document," Peskov said in a conference call with reporters. “But all will depend on the details of the proposal." The treaty, signed in 2010 by President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads. It expires on February 5. Russia has long proposed to prolong the pact without any conditions or changes, but Trump’s administration waited until last year to start talks and made the extension contingent on a set of demands. The talks stalled, and months of bargaining have failed to narrow differences. “Certain conditions for the extension have been put forward, and some of them have been absolutely unacceptable for us, so let's see first what the US is offering," Peskov said. Biden indicated during the campaign that he favoured the preservation of the New START treaty, which was negotiated during his tenure as US vice president. The talks on the treaty’s extension also were clouded by tensions between Russia and the United States, which have been fuelled by Moscow’s meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and other irritants. Despite the extension proposal, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden remains committed to holding Russia “to account for its reckless and adversarial actions," such as its alleged involvement in the Solar Winds hacking event, 2020 election interference, the chemical poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny and the widely reported allegations that Russia may have offered bounties to the Taliban to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan. Peskov has, meanwhile, reaffirmed Russia’s denial of involvement in any such activities.

Russia welcomes US President Joe Biden's proposal to extend nuclear treaty

An international treaty banning nuclear weapons has been ratified by a 50th country -- Honduras.

The United Nations Sunday said the treaty would allow the "historic" text to enter into force after 90 days.

While nuclear powers have not signed up to the treaty, activists who have pushed for its enactment hold out hope that it will nonetheless prove to be more than symbolic and have a gradual deterrent effect.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it "the culmination of a worldwide movement to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of&nbsp;nuclear weapons," according to a statement from his spokesman on Saturday.

NGOs also welcomed the news, including the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a coalition that won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its key role in bringing the treaty to fruition.

"Honduras just ratified the Treaty as the 50th state, triggering entry into force and making history," ICAN said in a tweet.

The 75th anniversary of the nuclear attacks on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, marked in August, saw a wave of countries ratify the treaty, which will now to enter into force on January 22, 2021, the UN said.

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons -- which bans the use, development, production, testing, stationing, stockpiling and threat of use of such weapons -- was adopted by the UN General Assembly in July 2017 with the approval of 122 countries.

Eighty-four states have since signed it, though not all have ratified the text.

The clutch of nuclear-armed states, including the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia, have not signed the treaty.

Japan, the only country to have been attacked with atomic weapons, ruled out any immediate plans to sign.

Campaigners hope that it coming into force will have the same impact as previous international treaties on landmines and cluster munitions, bringing a stigma to their stockpiling and use, and thereby a change in behavior even in countries that did not sign up.

ICAN said it expects "companies to stop producing nuclear weapons and financial institutions to stop investing in nuclear weapon producing companies."

An international treaty banning nuclear weapons has been ratified by a 50th country -- Honduras. The United Nations Sunday said the treaty would allow the "historic" text to enter into force after 90 days.

An international treaty banning nuclear weapons has been ratified by a 50th country -- Honduras. The United Nations Sunday said the treaty would allow the "historic" text to enter into force after 90 days. While nuclear powers have not signed up to the treaty, activists who have pushed for its enactment hold out hope that it will nonetheless prove to be more than symbolic and have a gradual deterrent effect. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it "the culmination of a worldwide movement to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons," according to a statement from his spokesman on Saturday. NGOs also welcomed the news, including the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a coalition that won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its key role in bringing the treaty to fruition. "Honduras just ratified the Treaty as the 50th state, triggering entry into force and making history," ICAN said in a tweet. The 75th anniversary of the nuclear attacks on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, marked in August, saw a wave of countries ratify the treaty, which will now to enter into force on January 22, 2021, the UN said. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons -- which bans the use, development, production, testing, stationing, stockpiling and threat of use of such weapons -- was adopted by the UN General Assembly in July 2017 with the approval of 122 countries. Eighty-four states have since signed it, though not all have ratified the text. The clutch of nuclear-armed states, including the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia, have not signed the treaty. Japan, the only country to have been attacked with atomic weapons, ruled out any immediate plans to sign. Campaigners hope that it coming into force will have the same impact as previous international treaties on landmines and cluster munitions, bringing a stigma to their stockpiling and use, and thereby a change in behavior even in countries that did not sign up. ICAN said it expects "companies to stop producing nuclear weapons and financial institutions to stop investing in nuclear weapon producing companies."

Honduras becomes 50th nation to ratify UN nuclear ban treaty

The United States wants an immediate meeting with Russia to finalise an extension of a nuclear treaty after Moscow backed a US proposal to freeze warheads.

"We appreciate the Russian Federation's willingness to make progress on the issue of nuclear arms control," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.

"The United States is prepared to meet immediately to finalise a verifiable agreement. We expect Russia to empower its diplomats to do the same."

Moscow on Tuesday said it was ready for the deal -- in order to extend the landmark arms reduction deal due to expire next year.

"Russia offers extending the New START by one year and is ready to take on a political commitment with the United States to freeze the number of nuclear warheads both sides have for this period," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ready-to-freeze-warheads-total-to-extend-nuclear-pact-with-us-by-a-year-336656">Also read |&nbsp;Russia ready to freeze warheads total to extend nuclear pact with US by a year</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week proposed extending by one year the New START treaty, which is due to expire in February 2021. The White House, however, described Putin's proposal as a "non-starter" unless accompanied by a freeze on the number of nuclear warheads.

Tensions have raged for months over the fate of New START, which caps the number of nuclear warheads held by Washington and Moscow and expires on February 5, 2021. The 10-year agreement was signed in 2010 at the peak of hopes for a "reset" in relations between Russia and the United States, spearheaded by former US president Barack Obama and then Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.

(with inputs)

The United States wants an immediate meeting with Russia to finalise an extension of a nuclear treaty after Moscow backed a US proposal to freeze warheads. "We appreciate the Russian Federation's willingness to make progress on the issue of nuclear arms control," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.

The United States wants an immediate meeting with Russia to finalise an extension of a nuclear treaty after Moscow backed a US proposal to freeze warheads. "We appreciate the Russian Federation's willingness to make progress on the issue of nuclear arms control," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said. "The United States is prepared to meet immediately to finalise a verifiable agreement. We expect Russia to empower its diplomats to do the same." Moscow on Tuesday said it was ready for the deal -- in order to extend the landmark arms reduction deal due to expire next year. "Russia offers extending the New START by one year and is ready to take on a political commitment with the United States to freeze the number of nuclear warheads both sides have for this period," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Also read | Russia ready to freeze warheads total to extend nuclear pact with US by a year Russian President Vladimir Putin last week proposed extending by one year the New START treaty, which is due to expire in February 2021. The White House, however, described Putin's proposal as a "non-starter" unless accompanied by a freeze on the number of nuclear warheads. Tensions have raged for months over the fate of New START, which caps the number of nuclear warheads held by Washington and Moscow and expires on February 5, 2021. The 10-year agreement was signed in 2010 at the peak of hopes for a "reset" in relations between Russia and the United States, spearheaded by former US president Barack Obama and then Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev. (with inputs)

US wants to meet 'immediately' with Russia to finalise nuclear treaty

The Trump administration on Friday rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for an unconditional one-year extension of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-proposes-one-year-extension-of-new-start-treaty-with-us-335808">nuclear</a> arms reduction accord.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-we-would-be-open-to-us-proposals-for-new-nuclear-pact-195793">Also Read:&nbsp;Open to US proposals for new nuclear treaty, says&nbsp;Russia</a>

"President Putin's response today to extend New START without freezing nuclear warheads is a non-starter," US national security advisor O'Brien said.

The New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) treaty signed in 2010 is due to expire in February next year.

"The United States is serious about arms control that will keep the entire world safe. We hope that Russia will re-evaluate its position before a costly arms race ensues," the US NSA added.

Putin had earlier propsed an "agreement without any pre-conditions" as Russian foreign minister Lavrov said to "formulate our position to try and get at least some sort of coherent answer from in the nearest future."

The US dismissal of Russian proposal&nbsp;came after US negotiator Marshall Billingslea said that he had reached a "gentlemen's agreement" with Russian officials over the nuclear extension which included freeze on nuclear work which was later rejected by Russia.

President Putin had earlier said he would be "extremely sad" if the treaty expired. The US government had withdrawn from the INF last year accusing Russia of violating the agreement as the Trump administration insisted China should join the the New START treaty, a move which was rejected by the Xi government in China. 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration on Friday rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for an unconditional one-year extension of the nuclear arms reduction accord.

The Trump administration on Friday rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for an unconditional one-year extension of the nuclear arms reduction accord. Also Read: Open to US proposals for new nuclear treaty, says Russia "President Putin's response today to extend New START without freezing nuclear warheads is a non-starter," US national security advisor O'Brien said. The New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) treaty signed in 2010 is due to expire in February next year. "The United States is serious about arms control that will keep the entire world safe. We hope that Russia will re-evaluate its position before a costly arms race ensues," the US NSA added. Putin had earlier propsed an "agreement without any pre-conditions" as Russian foreign minister Lavrov said to "formulate our position to try and get at least some sort of coherent answer from in the nearest future." The US dismissal of Russian proposal came after US negotiator Marshall Billingslea said that he had reached a "gentlemen's agreement" with Russian officials over the nuclear extension which included freeze on nuclear work which was later rejected by Russia. President Putin had earlier said he would be "extremely sad" if the treaty expired. The US government had withdrawn from the INF last year accusing Russia of violating the agreement as the Trump administration insisted China should join the the New START treaty, a move which was rejected by the Xi government in China.

US rejects Russian proposal for one-year extension of New START treaty

Centrist Republican Richard Lugar, a soft-spoken foreign policy powerhouse who championed nuclear nonproliferation during 36 years in the US Senate, died on Sunday at age 87.

The Lugar Center, a Washington-based nonprofit, said in statement that he died peacefully at the Inova Fairfax Heart and Vascular Institute in Virginia due to complications from CIDP, a chronic neurological disorder.

Lugar, a professorial Midwesterner known for his keen intellect and mild demeanor, served as mayor of Indianapolis from 1968 to 1975 before his long stint in the Senate from 1977 to 2013. He was the longest-serving senator ever from Indiana.

Lugar was an influential Republican voice on foreign policy. Lugar, a former Rhodes scholar and an avid runner into his 70s, served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and also headed the Agriculture Committee. He unsuccessfully sought the Republican presidential nomination in 1996.

His political career ended when he sought nomination for a seventh six-year Senate term in 2012 but was challenged by the Republican Party's right and beaten by a candidate backed by the conservative tea party movement, which did not like Lugar's willingness to make bipartisan compromises.

As a senator, Lugar sought to curb the spread of nuclear weapons globally. His greatest achievement, forged alongside centrist Democratic Senator Sam Nunn, was a law under which the United States paid for the dismantling and elimination of the nuclear weapons in the former Soviet Union as well as chemical and biological arms.

The 1991 measure was intended to keep nuclear weapons in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan from falling into the hands of hostile countries or extremist groups. Under the program, about 7,600 nuclear warheads were deactivated, 2,300 missiles destroyed and 24 nuclear weapons storage sites secured by the time Lugar's Senate career ended.

He was 80 years old and the senior most Republican in the Senate when he left the Senate in January 2013.

After leaving politics, he founded the Lugar Center, which is focused on global issues such as weapons proliferation, food supply, foreign aid and governance.

"Governance requires adaptation to shifting circumstances," Lugar said in 2012 in his final speech on the Senate floor. "It often requires finding common ground with Americans who have a different vision than your own. It requires leaders who believe ... that their first responsibility to their constituents is to apply their best judgment."

He said Republicans "must be willing to suspend reflexive opposition that serves no purpose but to limit their own role in strategic questions and render cooperation impossible."

'Nothing short of a miracle'

Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the top Senate Republican during Lugar's final years in Congress, praised him in 2012 as the "model of the public servant."

"He's earned the respect and admiration of everyone who ever crossed his path," McConnell said on the Senate floor. "I assure you, in the world of politics, that's nothing short of a miracle."

Lugar lost his first run for the Senate in 1974 against incumbent Democrat Birch Bayh, but two years later defeated another incumbent Democrat, Senator Vance Hartke. He was re-elected in 1982, 1988, 1994, 2000 and 2006.

In seeking re-election in 2012, Lugar was beaten in the Republican primary by Richard Mourdock, Indiana's state treasurer and a favorite of the conservative Tea Party movement. Mourdock lost in the general election to Democratic U.S. congressman Joe Donnelly after the Republican nominee said in a debate that if a woman became pregnant in a rape, it was "something that God intended to happen."

In the Senate, Lugar amassed a largely conservative voting record, but was willing to side with Democrats when his political convictions differed from the views of his party.

He voted in 1986 to override Republican President Ronald Reagan's veto of a bill to impose economic sanctions on South Africa during its racist apartheid era. He played a key role in persuading Reagan in 1986 to end support for Philippines leader Ferdinand Marcos, leading to Marcos's peaceful ouster.

In 2007, Lugar criticized Republican President George W. Bush's handling of the Iraq war, which began in 2003, particularly the stumbling U.S. efforts to stabilize and rebuild the country.

Lugar's 1996 bid for the Republican presidential nomination focused on a president's role in leading the world toward a future secure from nuclear threats. But his stiff campaign style and refusal to conform to sound-bite themes doomed his chances and he dropped out early in the race.

Born in Indianapolis on April 4, 1932, Lugar attended Pembroke College at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He served in the Navy from 1957 to 1960, working as an intelligence officer.

He married his wife, Charlene, in 1956. They had four sons.

Centrist Republican Richard Lugar, a soft-spoken foreign policy powerhouse who championed nuclear nonproliferation during 36 years in the US Senate, died on Sunday at age 87.

Centrist Republican Richard Lugar, a soft-spoken foreign policy powerhouse who championed nuclear nonproliferation during 36 years in the US Senate, died on Sunday at age 87. The Lugar Center, a Washington-based nonprofit, said in statement that he died peacefully at the Inova Fairfax Heart and Vascular Institute in Virginia due to complications from CIDP, a chronic neurological disorder. Lugar, a professorial Midwesterner known for his keen intellect and mild demeanor, served as mayor of Indianapolis from 1968 to 1975 before his long stint in the Senate from 1977 to 2013. He was the longest-serving senator ever from Indiana. Lugar was an influential Republican voice on foreign policy. Lugar, a former Rhodes scholar and an avid runner into his 70s, served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and also headed the Agriculture Committee. He unsuccessfully sought the Republican presidential nomination in 1996. His political career ended when he sought nomination for a seventh six-year Senate term in 2012 but was challenged by the Republican Party's right and beaten by a candidate backed by the conservative tea party movement, which did not like Lugar's willingness to make bipartisan compromises. As a senator, Lugar sought to curb the spread of nuclear weapons globally. His greatest achievement, forged alongside centrist Democratic Senator Sam Nunn, was a law under which the United States paid for the dismantling and elimination of the nuclear weapons in the former Soviet Union as well as chemical and biological arms. The 1991 measure was intended to keep nuclear weapons in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan from falling into the hands of hostile countries or extremist groups. Under the program, about 7,600 nuclear warheads were deactivated, 2,300 missiles destroyed and 24 nuclear weapons storage sites secured by the time Lugar's Senate career ended. He was 80 years old and the senior most Republican in the Senate when he left the Senate in January 2013. After leaving politics, he founded the Lugar Center, which is focused on global issues such as weapons proliferation, food supply, foreign aid and governance. "Governance requires adaptation to shifting circumstances," Lugar said in 2012 in his final speech on the Senate floor. "It often requires finding common ground with Americans who have a different vision than your own. It requires leaders who believe ... that their first responsibility to their constituents is to apply their best judgment." He said Republicans "must be willing to suspend reflexive opposition that serves no purpose but to limit their own role in strategic questions and render cooperation impossible." 'Nothing short of a miracle' Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the top Senate Republican during Lugar's final years in Congress, praised him in 2012 as the "model of the public servant." "He's earned the respect and admiration of everyone who ever crossed his path," McConnell said on the Senate floor. "I assure you, in the world of politics, that's nothing short of a miracle." Lugar lost his first run for the Senate in 1974 against incumbent Democrat Birch Bayh, but two years later defeated another incumbent Democrat, Senator Vance Hartke. He was re-elected in 1982, 1988, 1994, 2000 and 2006. In seeking re-election in 2012, Lugar was beaten in the Republican primary by Richard Mourdock, Indiana's state treasurer and a favorite of the conservative Tea Party movement. Mourdock lost in the general election to Democratic U.S. congressman Joe Donnelly after the Republican nominee said in a debate that if a woman became pregnant in a rape, it was "something that God intended to happen." In the Senate, Lugar amassed a largely conservative voting record, but was willing to side with Democrats when his political convictions differed from the views of his party. He voted in 1986 to override Republican President Ronald Reagan's veto of a bill to impose economic sanctions on South Africa during its racist apartheid era. He played a key role in persuading Reagan in 1986 to end support for Philippines leader Ferdinand Marcos, leading to Marcos's peaceful ouster. In 2007, Lugar criticized Republican President George W. Bush's handling of the Iraq war, which began in 2003, particularly the stumbling U.S. efforts to stabilize and rebuild the country. Lugar's 1996 bid for the Republican presidential nomination focused on a president's role in leading the world toward a future secure from nuclear threats. But his stiff campaign style and refusal to conform to sound-bite themes doomed his chances and he dropped out early in the race. Born in Indianapolis on April 4, 1932, Lugar attended Pembroke College at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He served in the Navy from 1957 to 1960, working as an intelligence officer. He married his wife, Charlene, in 1956. They had four sons.

Former US Senator Lugar, nuclear nonproliferation champion, dies at 87

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-gives-russia-60-days-to-comply-with-nuclear-treaty-181666">US and Russian</a> diplomats were meeting on Tuesday to discuss the fate of a major nuclear missile control treaty that Washington has threatened to ditch over alleged violations by Moscow.&nbsp;

The discussions come amid widespread concern over the fate of the bilateral treaty after US President Donald Trump said in October his country would pull out of the deal unless <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-no-evidence-to-prove-breach-of-nuclear-treaty-russia-181665">Russia</a> stopped violating it.&nbsp;

"Russia and the United States will hold consultations on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty #INFtreaty in Geneva on January 15," Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Andrea Thompson, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs, also tweeted that she was leading the American delegation to the talks.&nbsp;

"Looking forward to sitting down with Russian delegation this morning to discuss how #Russia plans to come back into full and verifiable compliance with the #INFTreaty," she said.&nbsp;

The talks are being held inside the Russian mission, a source there who was not authorised to speak to the media told AFP.

Last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would withdraw from the Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms within 60 days if Russia does not dismantle missiles that the US claims to breach the deal.

"Recently we have noted that the American side has even hardened its tone, we see that as not a very favourable signal," Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Russia's Interfax news agency ahead of the Geneva talks.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the US hardline by threatening to develop more nuclear missiles banned under the treaty. &nbsp;

The landmark treaty was signed by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987 and led to nearly 2,700 short- and medium-range missiles being eliminated.

It put an end to a mini-arms race in the 1980s triggered by the Soviet Union's deployment of SS-20 nuclear missiles targeting Western European capitals.

US and Russian diplomats were meeting on Tuesday to discuss the fate of a major nuclear missile control treaty that Washington has threatened to ditch over alleged violations by Moscow.

US and Russian diplomats were meeting on Tuesday to discuss the fate of a major nuclear missile control treaty that Washington has threatened to ditch over alleged violations by Moscow. The discussions come amid widespread concern over the fate of the bilateral treaty after US President Donald Trump said in October his country would pull out of the deal unless Russia stopped violating it. "Russia and the United States will hold consultations on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty #INFtreaty in Geneva on January 15," Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said in a tweet. Andrea Thompson, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs, also tweeted that she was leading the American delegation to the talks. "Looking forward to sitting down with Russian delegation this morning to discuss how #Russia plans to come back into full and verifiable compliance with the #INFTreaty," she said. The talks are being held inside the Russian mission, a source there who was not authorised to speak to the media told AFP. Last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would withdraw from the Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms within 60 days if Russia does not dismantle missiles that the US claims to breach the deal. "Recently we have noted that the American side has even hardened its tone, we see that as not a very favourable signal," Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Russia's Interfax news agency ahead of the Geneva talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the US hardline by threatening to develop more nuclear missiles banned under the treaty. The landmark treaty was signed by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987 and led to nearly 2,700 short- and medium-range missiles being eliminated. It put an end to a mini-arms race in the 1980s triggered by the Soviet Union's deployment of SS-20 nuclear missiles targeting Western European capitals.

US, Russia meet on disputed nuclear treaty in Geneva

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-works-on-convincing-russia-to-join-oil-cuts-181667">Russia </a>will develop missiles now banned under the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces treaty if the United States exits the arms control pact and starts making such weapons, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/certain-will-talk-to-xi-putin-about-halting-arms-race-some-time-in-the-future-trump-181238">President Vladimir Putin</a> said on Wednesday.

The United States delivered Russia a 60-day ultimatum on Tuesday to come clean about what Washington says is a violation of the 1987 nuclear arms control treaty, saying it would be forced to start a six-month process of withdrawal if nothing changes.

Putin, in televised comments, accused the United States of blaming Russia for violations as a pretext for Washington to exit the pact.

Putin noted that many countries produce missiles banned under the INF treaty, but that Moscow and Washington had undertaken to limit themselves with the accord signed in 1987.

"Now it seems our American partners believe that the situation has changed so much that the United States must also have such a weapon. What's our response? It's simple: in that case, we will also do this," he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said statements from the United States and NATO were whipping up tensions.

Russia's ministry of foreign affairs had said the United States was yet to provide any evidence Moscow was in breach of a landmark arms control treaty.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo had said earlier that Russia had developed "multiple battalions of the SSC-8 missiles", referring to the land-based, intermediate-range Cruise missile which also has the name of Novator 9M729.

"Its range makes it a direct menace to Europe," he told a news conference after a meeting with his NATO counterparts on Monday.

Russia will develop missiles now banned under the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces treaty if the United States exits the arms control pact and starts making such weapons, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

Russia will develop missiles now banned under the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces treaty if the United States exits the arms control pact and starts making such weapons, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday. The United States delivered Russia a 60-day ultimatum on Tuesday to come clean about what Washington says is a violation of the 1987 nuclear arms control treaty, saying it would be forced to start a six-month process of withdrawal if nothing changes. Putin, in televised comments, accused the United States of blaming Russia for violations as a pretext for Washington to exit the pact. Putin noted that many countries produce missiles banned under the INF treaty, but that Moscow and Washington had undertaken to limit themselves with the accord signed in 1987. "Now it seems our American partners believe that the situation has changed so much that the United States must also have such a weapon. What's our response? It's simple: in that case, we will also do this," he said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said statements from the United States and NATO were whipping up tensions. Russia's ministry of foreign affairs had said the United States was yet to provide any evidence Moscow was in breach of a landmark arms control treaty. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo had said earlier that Russia had developed "multiple battalions of the SSC-8 missiles", referring to the land-based, intermediate-range Cruise missile which also has the name of Novator 9M729. "Its range makes it a direct menace to Europe," he told a news conference after a meeting with his NATO counterparts on Monday.

Watch: Will produce banned weapons if US begins similar move, says Putin on nuclear arms control treaty

The United States warned Russia on Tuesday it will withdraw from a major Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms if Moscow does not dismantle missiles that Washington says breach it within 60 days.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would no longer be bound by the 1987 Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty unless Moscow withdraws a new system that has threatened to trigger an arms race.

NATO said it was now "up to Russia" to save the deal, seen by many as an important part of the global arms control architecture, and alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said it was time to prepare for its demise.

"The United States today declares Russia in material breach of the treaty and we will suspend our obligations as a remedy in 60 days unless Russia returns to full and verifiable compliance," Pompeo said after talks with fellow NATO foreign ministers.

"Russia's actions gravely undermine American national security and that of our allies and partners. It makes no sense for the United States to remain in a treaty that constrains our ability to respond to Russia's violations."

The US and NATO say Russia's 9M729 system, also known by the designation SSC-8, violates the INF treaty, which banned ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres.

The nuclear-capable Russian cruise missiles are mobile and hard to detect and can hit cities in Europe with little or no warning, according to NATO, dramatically changing the security calculus on the continent.

Stoltenberg said that although Russia has a last chance to comply, "we must also start to prepare for a world without the treaty", which was the first to abolish a whole category of weapons.

"This was really arms control at its best and therefore it's a really a big setback if this treaty now breaks totally down," he said.

"I regret that we will now most likely see the end of the INF treaty, but at the same time we don't have any other alternative than to react in the way we do."

In October, President Donald Trump declared the United States would pull out of the treaty and build up America's nuclear stockpile "until people come to their senses".

But on Monday, the US leader said he wants talks with his Chinese and Russian counterparts Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin "to head off a major and uncontrollable Arms Race".

'Not sustainable'&nbsp;

The INF was a bilateral treaty between the US and the then Soviet Union, so it puts no restrictions on other major military actors like China.

Pompeo said there was no reason why the US "should continue to cede this crucial military advantage" to rival powers.

If Russia does not comply within the 60-day deadline, the US will begin the six-month process of formally withdrawing from the INF treaty.

Until then, Pompeo said, the US would not "test or produce or deploy any systems" that would breach the treaty.

Over the past five years, the US has raised its concerns over the SSC-8 at least 30 times with Russia "to the highest levels of leadership", Pompeo said, only to be met with denials, obfuscation and spurious counter-claims.

The US won strong backing for its position from the rest of the NATO allies, who said in a joint statement that it was "now up to Russia to preserve the INF treaty".

"Allies have emphasised that the situation whereby the United States and other parties fully abide by the Treaty and Russia does not, is not sustainable," they warned. &nbsp;&nbsp;

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said it was "essential to act in a firm and united way", warning Moscow it would bear the responsibility if the treaty collapsed.

Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, warned that failing to negotiate a solution with Moscow "risks the start of a new missile race in Europe that will undermine European security".

The United States warned Russia on Tuesday it will withdraw from a major Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms if Moscow does not dismantle missiles that Washington says breach it within 60 days.

The United States warned Russia on Tuesday it will withdraw from a major Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms if Moscow does not dismantle missiles that Washington says breach it within 60 days. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would no longer be bound by the 1987 Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty unless Moscow withdraws a new system that has threatened to trigger an arms race. NATO said it was now "up to Russia" to save the deal, seen by many as an important part of the global arms control architecture, and alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said it was time to prepare for its demise. "The United States today declares Russia in material breach of the treaty and we will suspend our obligations as a remedy in 60 days unless Russia returns to full and verifiable compliance," Pompeo said after talks with fellow NATO foreign ministers. "Russia's actions gravely undermine American national security and that of our allies and partners. It makes no sense for the United States to remain in a treaty that constrains our ability to respond to Russia's violations." The US and NATO say Russia's 9M729 system, also known by the designation SSC-8, violates the INF treaty, which banned ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres. The nuclear-capable Russian cruise missiles are mobile and hard to detect and can hit cities in Europe with little or no warning, according to NATO, dramatically changing the security calculus on the continent. Stoltenberg said that although Russia has a last chance to comply, "we must also start to prepare for a world without the treaty", which was the first to abolish a whole category of weapons. "This was really arms control at its best and therefore it's a really a big setback if this treaty now breaks totally down," he said. "I regret that we will now most likely see the end of the INF treaty, but at the same time we don't have any other alternative than to react in the way we do." In October, President Donald Trump declared the United States would pull out of the treaty and build up America's nuclear stockpile "until people come to their senses". But on Monday, the US leader said he wants talks with his Chinese and Russian counterparts Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin "to head off a major and uncontrollable Arms Race". 'Not sustainable' The INF was a bilateral treaty between the US and the then Soviet Union, so it puts no restrictions on other major military actors like China. Pompeo said there was no reason why the US "should continue to cede this crucial military advantage" to rival powers. If Russia does not comply within the 60-day deadline, the US will begin the six-month process of formally withdrawing from the INF treaty. Until then, Pompeo said, the US would not "test or produce or deploy any systems" that would breach the treaty. Over the past five years, the US has raised its concerns over the SSC-8 at least 30 times with Russia "to the highest levels of leadership", Pompeo said, only to be met with denials, obfuscation and spurious counter-claims. The US won strong backing for its position from the rest of the NATO allies, who said in a joint statement that it was "now up to Russia to preserve the INF treaty". "Allies have emphasised that the situation whereby the United States and other parties fully abide by the Treaty and Russia does not, is not sustainable," they warned. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said it was "essential to act in a firm and united way", warning Moscow it would bear the responsibility if the treaty collapsed. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, warned that failing to negotiate a solution with Moscow "risks the start of a new missile race in Europe that will undermine European security".

Watch: US gives Russia 60 days to comply with nuclear treaty

US gives Russia 60 days to comply with nuclear treaty

The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia would be <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-pulls-out-of-nuclear-treaty-russia-says-it-will-retaliate-172639">forced to respond in kind</a> if the United States began developing new missiles after quitting a landmark Cold War-era treaty.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington would withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty because Russia was violating the pact, triggering a warning of retaliatory measures from Moscow.

The treaty, signed by then-President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, required the elimination of short-range and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles by both countries. Its demise would raise the possibility of a spiralling arms race.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that the U.S. move would make the world a more dangerous place and said Russia would be forced to act to restore the balance of military power if Washington quit the pact and started developing new missiles.

“This is a question of strategic security. Such measures can make the world more dangerous,” Peskov said of the planned U.S. withdrawal.

President Vladimir Putin had repeatedly said that the demise of the treaty would force Russia to take specific steps to protect its own security, Peskov said.

"It means that the United States is not disguising, but is openly starting to develop these systems in the future, and if these systems are being developed, then actions are necessary from other countries, in this case Russia, to restore balance in this sphere,” said Peskov.

There was a six-month period for the United States to withdraw from the treaty after Washington gave official notification it was leaving, he said, something he noted it had not yet done.

That meant the question of Russia developing its own new intermediate-range missiles -- something Washington accuses it of doing anyway -- was not "for today or tomorrow," he said.

Trump's national security adviser John Bolton is due to hold talks with senior officials in Moscow later on Monday and to meet Putin on Tuesday.

Peskov said Trump's decision to quit the pact would obviously be a subject for discussion and that Moscow was looking for a detailed explanation for why Washington had decided to turn its back on the treaty.

Russia denied U.S. accusations it had breached the treaty, said Peskov, alleging that the United States had been steadily undermining it.

"Putin has said many times said the United States de facto is taking measures that are eroding the conditions of this treaty," said Peskov, referring to strike drones and anti-missile systems capable of destroying short- and intermediate-range rockets. 
&nbsp;

The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia would be forced to respond in kind if the United States began developing new missiles after quitting a landmark Cold War-era treaty.

The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia would be forced to respond in kind if the United States began developing new missiles after quitting a landmark Cold War-era treaty. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington would withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty because Russia was violating the pact, triggering a warning of retaliatory measures from Moscow. The treaty, signed by then-President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, required the elimination of short-range and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles by both countries. Its demise would raise the possibility of a spiralling arms race. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that the U.S. move would make the world a more dangerous place and said Russia would be forced to act to restore the balance of military power if Washington quit the pact and started developing new missiles. “This is a question of strategic security. Such measures can make the world more dangerous,” Peskov said of the planned U.S. withdrawal. President Vladimir Putin had repeatedly said that the demise of the treaty would force Russia to take specific steps to protect its own security, Peskov said. "It means that the United States is not disguising, but is openly starting to develop these systems in the future, and if these systems are being developed, then actions are necessary from other countries, in this case Russia, to restore balance in this sphere,” said Peskov. There was a six-month period for the United States to withdraw from the treaty after Washington gave official notification it was leaving, he said, something he noted it had not yet done. That meant the question of Russia developing its own new intermediate-range missiles -- something Washington accuses it of doing anyway -- was not "for today or tomorrow," he said. Trump's national security adviser John Bolton is due to hold talks with senior officials in Moscow later on Monday and to meet Putin on Tuesday. Peskov said Trump's decision to quit the pact would obviously be a subject for discussion and that Moscow was looking for a detailed explanation for why Washington had decided to turn its back on the treaty. Russia denied U.S. accusations it had breached the treaty, said Peskov, alleging that the United States had been steadily undermining it. "Putin has said many times said the United States de facto is taking measures that are eroding the conditions of this treaty," said Peskov, referring to strike drones and anti-missile systems capable of destroying short- and intermediate-range rockets.

We'll respond in kind if US develops intermediate missiles: Russia

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev on Sunday slammed as unwise a decision by US President Donald Trump to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-pulls-out-of-nuclear-treaty-russia-says-it-will-retaliate-172639">quit a nuclear arms treaty</a> he signed with the late Ronald Reagan in 1987.

"Is it really so hard to understand that dropping these agreements... shows a lack of wisdom?" 87-year-old Gorbachev said in an interview with Interfax news agency.

"Getting rid of the treaty is a mistake," he said, stressing that officials "absolutely must not tear up old agreements on disarmament."

"All the agreements aimed at nuclear disarmament and limitation of nuclear arms must be preserved to save life on Earth," he said.

Trump confirmed Saturday that the United States plans to leave the three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, known as the INF.

Gorbachev warned that Trump's move would "undermine all the efforts put in by the Soviet leadership and by the US itself to reach nuclear disarmament."

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev on Sunday slammed as unwise a decision by US President Donald Trump to quit a nuclear arms treaty he signed with the late Ronald Reagan in 1987.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev on Sunday slammed as unwise a decision by US President Donald Trump to quit a nuclear arms treaty he signed with the late Ronald Reagan in 1987. "Is it really so hard to understand that dropping these agreements... shows a lack of wisdom?" 87-year-old Gorbachev said in an interview with Interfax news agency. "Getting rid of the treaty is a mistake," he said, stressing that officials "absolutely must not tear up old agreements on disarmament." "All the agreements aimed at nuclear disarmament and limitation of nuclear arms must be preserved to save life on Earth," he said. Trump confirmed Saturday that the United States plans to leave the three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, known as the INF. Gorbachev warned that Trump's move would "undermine all the efforts put in by the Soviet leadership and by the US itself to reach nuclear disarmament."

Shows a lack of wisdom: Gorbachev slams Trump for pulling out of nuclear treaty

President Donald Trump said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/donald-trump-confirms-us-will-pull-out-of-nuclear-deal-with-russia-172549">Washington will exit the Cold-War era treaty</a> that eliminated a class of nuclear weapons due to Russian violations, triggering a warning of retaliatory measures from Moscow.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, negotiated by then-President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, required elimination of short-range and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles by both countries.

"Russia has not, unfortunately, honored the agreement so we're going to terminate the agreement and we're going to pull out," Trump told reporters on Saturday after a rally in Nevada.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Sunday that a unilateral U.S. withdrawal would be "very dangerous" and lead to a "military-technical" retaliation.

U.S. authorities believe Moscow is developing and has deployed a ground-launched system in breach of the INF treaty that could allow it to launch a nuclear strike on Europe at short notice. Russia has consistently denied any such violation.

Trump said the United States will develop the weapons unless Russia and China agree to a halt on development.

China is not a party to the treaty and has invested heavily in conventional missiles, while the INF has banned U.S possession of ground- launched ballistic missiles or cruise missiles of ranges between 500 and 5,500 km (311 and 3,418 miles).

Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, will visit Moscow next week.

Ryabkov, in comments reported by state-controlled RIA news agency, said if the United States withdrew, Russia would have no choice but to retaliate, including taking unspecified measures of a "military-technical nature".

"But we would rather things did not get that far," RIA quoted him as saying.

TASS news agency quoted him as saying withdrawal "would be a very dangerous step", and it was Washington and not Moscow that was failing to comply with the treaty.

He said the Trump administration was using the treaty in an attempt to blackmail the Kremlin, putting global security at risk. "...We will, of course, accept no ultimatums or blackmail methods," Interfax quoted him as saying.

British defence minister Gavin Williamson, in comments reported by the Financial Times, said London stood "resolute" behind Washington over the issue, and that the Kremlin was making a mockery of the agreement.

President Donald Trump said Washington will exit the Cold-War era treaty that eliminated a class of nuclear weapons due to Russian violations, triggering a warning of retaliatory measures from Moscow.

President Donald Trump said Washington will exit the Cold-War era treaty that eliminated a class of nuclear weapons due to Russian violations, triggering a warning of retaliatory measures from Moscow. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, negotiated by then-President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, required elimination of short-range and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles by both countries. "Russia has not, unfortunately, honored the agreement so we're going to terminate the agreement and we're going to pull out," Trump told reporters on Saturday after a rally in Nevada. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Sunday that a unilateral U.S. withdrawal would be "very dangerous" and lead to a "military-technical" retaliation. U.S. authorities believe Moscow is developing and has deployed a ground-launched system in breach of the INF treaty that could allow it to launch a nuclear strike on Europe at short notice. Russia has consistently denied any such violation. Trump said the United States will develop the weapons unless Russia and China agree to a halt on development. China is not a party to the treaty and has invested heavily in conventional missiles, while the INF has banned U.S possession of ground- launched ballistic missiles or cruise missiles of ranges between 500 and 5,500 km (311 and 3,418 miles). Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, will visit Moscow next week. Ryabkov, in comments reported by state-controlled RIA news agency, said if the United States withdrew, Russia would have no choice but to retaliate, including taking unspecified measures of a "military-technical nature". "But we would rather things did not get that far," RIA quoted him as saying. TASS news agency quoted him as saying withdrawal "would be a very dangerous step", and it was Washington and not Moscow that was failing to comply with the treaty. He said the Trump administration was using the treaty in an attempt to blackmail the Kremlin, putting global security at risk. "...We will, of course, accept no ultimatums or blackmail methods," Interfax quoted him as saying. British defence minister Gavin Williamson, in comments reported by the Financial Times, said London stood "resolute" behind Washington over the issue, and that the Kremlin was making a mockery of the agreement.

After Trump pulls out of nuclear treaty, Russia says it will retaliate

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