In this photo released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Friday, June 21, 2024, Russian soldiers fire an anti-aircraft gun at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. PHOTO: RDMPS
In Summary:
- Russia calls for extensive security discussions with the United States, emphasizing the need to include Ukraine.
- The U.S. maintains that negotiations over the war in Ukraine are solely a matter for Ukraine.
On Friday, June 21 ,2024, Russia underscored the critical need for ‘comprehensive’ security discussions with the United States, emphasizing the inclusion of Ukraine in these talks.
When asked about Russia’s readiness to discuss nuclear risks with America, Dmitry Peskov, speaking on behalf of the Russian government, stated, ‘It is impossible to rip out any individual segments from the general complex of accumulated problems, and we will not do this.’
Peskov highlighted that Russia is open to dialogue but insists on a broad, inclusive discussion that encompasses all dimensions, particularly the conflict involving Ukraine and the direct involvement of the United States in this conflict.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. IMAGE: Getty Images
Contrarily, the United States disputes Russia’s assertion that by providing arms to Ukraine, it has become a direct participant in a war aimed at delivering a significant “strategic defeat” to Moscow. According to the U.S., any negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine are matters for Ukraine to decide.
While the Russian stance articulated by Peskov is not new, he mentioned that the list of topics requiring discussion between Russia and the United States is expanding.
“Overall, this dialogue is very much required,” Peskov stated. “It is needed because problems are piling up, and there are many issues related to the global security architecture.”
From Washington’s perspective, it is President Putin who is adding to the list of security concerns as the war in Ukraine enters its third year.
This week, Putin visited nuclear-armed North Korea, signed a mutual defense agreement with its leader Kim Jong Un, and hinted at the possibility of supplying Russian weapons to North Korea in response to Western military aid to Ukraine.
Besides, Putin also said again on Thursday that he may change his mind on modifying his country’s policy regarding the deployment of atomic bombs.
The year to expect the termination of the last contract that sets a maximum number of warheads on strategic nuclear missiles for both Russia and U.S.A., is 2026.