The Russian Duma approves the extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

　　China News Service, January 27. According to Russian satellite network reports, the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) approved the agreement to extend the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" for a 5-year extension at the plenary meeting on the 27th, and the treaty will be extended to 2026. February 5.

Data map: Russian President Putin.

　　On the 26th, Russian President Putin and US President Biden held a telephone conference.

After the talks, both parties instructed their subordinates to step up the extension of the treaty.

On the same day, Putin submitted to the State Duma the relevant bill to approve the agreement.

　　Putin instructed the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to negotiate with the United States on signing an agreement to extend the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty."

Putin also appointed Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov as the official representative of the president when studying the issue of extending the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" for the Federal Conference.

　　The "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" was signed by the leaders of Russia and the United States in 2010 and came into effect on February 5, 2011, and is valid until February 5, 2021.

The treaty stipulates that the two countries must comprehensively reduce the nuclear warheads and missiles deployed during the Cold War. Seven years after the treaty enters into force, their respective nuclear warheads will be reduced to 1,550, and the number of nuclear missile launchers and bombers that can launch nuclear weapons will be reduced to 800. The number of deployed nuclear warhead delivery vehicles must not exceed 700.

　　At present, the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" is the only effective major arms control treaty between Russia and the United States.

Prior to this, Russia and the United States held several rounds of negotiations on the extension of the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty," but no substantial progress has been made.

On January 21, 2021, the White House Press Secretary Psaki stated that the United States seeks to extend the upcoming "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty" for five years.