US, Russia Agree to Resume Military Dialogue After New Start Treaty Expiration

Washington: The United States of America announced Thursday that it has reached an agreement with Russia to resume high-level military dialogue, hours after the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New Start), which had imposed limits on the two countries' nuclear arsenals.

According to Qatar News Agency, the US European Command emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue between the two militaries as a key factor in global stability and peace, noting that the resumption of talks aims to reduce the risk of unintended escalation.

The statement indicated that the agreement to resume bilateral dialogue came following what it described as fruitful and constructive progress in the Ukrainian peace talks, to which US President Donald Trump had sent his special envoy, Steve Whitkov. It explained that the channel designated for communication between Moscow and Washington's military officials will provide a sustainable framework for military-to-military interaction, while both sides continue efforts to achieve a lasting peace.

The command stressed in its statement that maintaining communications between the militaries is a crucial factor for global stability, contributing to greater transparency and easing tensions.

In a related context, the official spokesperson for the Russian Presidency (Kremlin), Dmitry Peskov, stated that his country will engage in dialogue with the United States regarding the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New Start) provided that there are constructive responses from Washington.

Today marks the expiration of the New Start treaty, after many years since its adoption between Washington and Moscow, amid international concerns over the security and military implications of its non-renewal.