Anatoly Antonov, Russia’s ambassador in Washington, gave a very upbeat assessment, yesterday, of discussions between the U.S. and Russia since the June summit between President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Above all, there are positive developments in the sphere of strategic stability. Also, following the Geneva summit, a joint statement of presidents was approved that confirmed the adherence to the principle that there are no winners in a nuclear war and it never should be launched,” he said, as reported by TASS. “The document recorded an intention to begin focused and intensive bilateral dialogue in this sphere,” the ambassador added.
Antonov noted that “there were two rounds of consultations between the delegations of the two countries,” led by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman. “Two working groups have been created: on the principles and tasks of the future control over armaments as well as on the potentials and actions capable of strategic effect,” he explained. “The comprehensive nature of talks allows us to discuss all the significant factors of strategic stability, both the traditional armaments and new technologies. We expect that the next plenary meeting will be held and work in expert groups will be launched in the near future,” he added.
Antonov said that the two sides have an understanding that Putin and Biden will meet again. “Currently, both sides have an understanding on holding the next meeting [of the two leaders] in the near future. At the same time, it is too early to talk about any specifics,” he said.
