MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. The United States violated the New START Treaty with Russia on reduction of strategic offensive weapons in the past, and needs to return to compliance with its provisions if it wants to keep the deal in force, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov told Russia’s Channel One on Thursday.

"Now, it is clear to everyone that the Americans had violated the treaty, twisting its wording to justify refitting heavy bombers and launch infrastructure for Trident II missiles. All they need is to return to compliance if they need this treaty so much and if it is so important to them," the ambassador said.

"There are no grounds at this point to speak of any prospects for an arms control dialogue with the Americans," the diplomat added.

Commenting on precondition for the resumption of Russian-US talks on the issue, Antonov said: "The Americans should demonstrate their good faith, readiness to respect [Russian] national interests and transparency of their foreign policy."

"Most importantly - and I’d like to emphasize this - they need to review their Russian policies," the diplomat added.

On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow was suspending its participation in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) but not withdrawing from it altogether. He explained that in order to return to the discussion of further activities under this agreement, the Russia wished to have clarity as to how it would take into account the arsenals of not only the United States, but also of the other NATO nuclear powers - Britain and France. On February 28, Putin signed a law suspending Russia's participation in the New START.