MOSCOW, April 8. / TASS /. Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev believes that in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, the world needs completely new relations, cleared of sanctions and based on the wishes of countries to help each other, he wrote in an exclusive op-ed for TASS.

"Now that the world is on the verge of a grave global crisis in light of the coronavirus pandemic, countries should particularly strive to provide mutual assistance and support for one another," Medvedev emphasized. "This means that a completely different, sanctions-free relationship is needed to cope with this dangerous threat," he added.

He recalled that exactly 10 years ago, on April 8, 2010, Russia and the United States signed an important document in the field of arms control - the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START). "Ten years ago, Russia and the United States proved that they are capable of overcoming disagreements and coming to terms - not only for the sake of their peoples, but for the sake of all of humanity. Today, this ability to hear each other out is especially relevant," Medvedev said.

On April 8, 2010, Russian Presidents Dmitry Medvedev and US President Barack Obama signed the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START) following negotiations in Prague, another document on limiting nuclear arsenals, the prospects for which were discussed back in 1997. The document called for the reduction of up to 1,550 nuclear warheads, up to 700 units of intercontinental ballistic missiles, ballistic missiles, submarines and heavy bombers. The document entered into force on February 5, 2011, and on February 5, 2018, the parties announced the fulfillment of their obligations.