MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. Moscow has not interrupted its dialogue with Washington on the Strategic Arms Reduction (New START) Treaty since the onset of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine and understands the importance of this course, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told a press conference on Thursday.
"We have not stopped the dialogue with our American colleagues on this subject during the entire period since the onset of the special military operation. Yes, there were no official formal meetings of the Bilateral Consultative Commission but there was interaction, including over the phone, via the representatives of the Russian and US delegations in this body and the subject was also discussed at other levels. Of course, a dialogue was held through the embassy," he said. "This is about us clearly and fully realizing the importance of this issue and being fully dedicated to implementing the treaty and complying with its provisions," he added.
The senior diplomat noted that Russia wouldn’t want the New START treaty to fall victim to the US policy toward dismantling the international security architecture in favor of its own interests "as it happened in the past and has been repeatedly manifested at different intervals during the recent time period." "Regardless of which administration was in power, the Democrats or Republicans," he added.
Ryabkov stressed that Moscow rejects the US’ accusations of Russia’s non-compliance with the provisions of the New START treaty. "We adhere to the agreement," he pointed out.