MOSCOW: Russia said on Tuesday it was ready to offer the United States a mutual one-year freeze on the number of nuclear warheads held by both countries in order to extend a landmark arms reduction deal due to expire next year.
"Russia offers to extend 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. 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 described the proposal as a "non-starter" unless accompanied by a freeze on the number of nuclear warheads. The ministry said the suspension could only take place on the understanding that there were no "additional" demands from the United States.
The World Meteorological Organisation flag. — AFP FileGENEVA: Global temperatures hit record highs last year, and...
This image shows the outside view of the U.S. Senate. — AFP/FileWASHINGTON: Billions of dollars in foreign aid for...
Each year, many African migrants brave the perilous “Eastern Route” across the Red Sea and through war-scarred...
State Department US building can be seen in this picture. — AFP/FileWASHINGTON: The U.S. State Department’s annual...
Former US president Donald Trump. — AFP/FileNEW YORK: The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s criminal hush money...
Abortion-rights activists hold a protest on in Phoenix, USA. — AFP/File WASHINGTON: The idea of a doctor in the...
