Dozens of US Democratic lawmakers urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to work with Congress to renew the nuclear arms pact between the United States and Russia, which expires next year. They stressed that even in tense conditions, the agreement has helped reduce the risk of nuclear war, reports "Reuters", reports News.bg.
Among the senators who signed the letter are Edward Markey, Christopher Murphy and Tammy Baldwin. They said President Donald Trump's administration has a historic opportunity to begin high-level negotiations to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which expires on February 5, 2026.
The lawmakers expressed confidence that progress can be made despite Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
“We condemn Putin's nuclear weapons showdown against Ukraine,“ they wrote in the letter, cited by "Reuters". “However, even during periods of serious disagreement, including during the Cold War, we have managed to engage in dialogue to prevent a nuclear catastrophe.“
Marco Rubio and other Trump administration officials met with Russian officials on Tuesday in Riyadh for talks related to ending the war in Ukraine, with the parties agreeing to continue the talks.
The State Department has not yet commented on the contents of the letter or whether the issue of renewing the New START treaty was discussed in Riyadh.
In 2010, Moscow and Washington signed the New START treaty, which limits the strategic nuclear arsenals of both countries and includes control mechanisms. The agreement was extended through 2021. for another five years.
The lawmakers emphasize that while negotiations on a new agreement are underway, Washington and Moscow can mutually commit to complying with the New START limits using existing verification mechanisms.
“Although Russia has expressed a willingness to comply with the treaty's limits, we believe that both sides should formally adhere to mechanisms that prevent a new arms race,“ the congressmen conclude.