A photo taken on April 6, 2022 shows a sculpture and flag at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. PHOTO XINHUA BRUSSELS - North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO called for Russia to respect its treaty with the United States on nuclear weapons, which contributes to international stability.
The NATO ambassadors said in a statement that Russia hasn't done enough to meet its legally binding obligations under the New START Treaty. ALSO READ: Russia denounces the US for undermining the New START treaty.
The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty New START was signed by Russia and the United States in 2010. With the consent of the two countries, the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the two superpowers can be extended by a maximum of five years. The treaty was extended by Russia and the United States by five years on February 3, 2021.
The ambassadors said Russia's refusal to hold consultations or allow US inspections prevents the United States from exercising important rights under the treaty, and undermines the ability to verify Russian compliance with the treaty's central limits. We call on Russia to meet its obligations under the treaty by facilitating New START inspections on Russian territory and by returning to participation in the treaty's implementation body, NATO said.
Moscow accused the United States of undermining the principles of implementing the treaty earlier this week. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow remains committed to the treaty but does not see the same commitment from Washington.