US claims Russia violated New START treaty by blocking inspections
The United States claimed that Russia violated the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START treaty) by refusing to allow on-site inspections, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday citing a report the US State Department sent to Congress.
Washington noted the fact that Russia is in "noncompliance" by blocking inspections makes it difficult for the US to determine the number of warheads Moscow deployed under the agreement.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov insisted it is committed to the accord and that the US is the side responsible for the halt in negotiations for the renewal of the New START treaty. He also accused Washington of violating the agreement by deciding to donate Abrams tanks to Ukraine. The New START entered into force in 2011 and was extended in 2021. It is now set to expire in 2026.