“The Russian Federation is always prepared to adopt forceful military and technical countermeasures to counter potential additional threats to national security and conditions any future negotiations on a change in the strategic environment,” the statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.

In the statement, Moscow added that it “remains open to exploring political and diplomatic avenues for the comprehensive stabilization of the strategic situation based on negotiated solutions under conditions of equality and mutual benefit.”

In this regard, the Foreign Ministry added that such an exchange is contingent upon “the establishment of the appropriate conditions for this type of interaction.”

The START III or New START treaty, which expires on February 5, was the last pillar of nuclear deterrence between Russia and the United States.

One of the main obstacles to extending the agreement has been Washington’s intention to include China in the pact, arguing that Beijing’s nuclear arsenal is rapidly increasing.

This position clashes with reality, as China’s stockpiles are smaller than those of Russia and the United States, representing only 11 and 12% of their respective volumes.

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