In an Aug. 22 interview with Izvestia, whose English transcript is posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry website, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Moscow is open to discussions aimed at reducing strategic risks, but expressed doubt that the same readiness exists on the U.S. side. “We have repeatedly confirmed that in principle we are open to serious, pragmatic and result-oriented cooperation aimed at reducing tensions and risks, preventing a dangerous escalation and an arms race, and enhancing strategic stability, including through arms control,” he told the daily. “That said, we still need to see whether the United States will change its patently destructive course and be prepared to conduct a dialogue based on equality, and consider our security interests and concerns, working together on creating the foundations for a new, fairer and more stable architecture of international security.”
The resumption of strategic dialogue talks with the U.S. “is far from certain, given Washington’s recklessly aggressive policy towards Russia,” Ryabkov went on. “Naturally, we are monitoring signals concerning the resumption of the dialogue on START-related matters, but it is still unclear what they mean, and, in general, talks are not held via the media.”
