New Start Treaty: Russia suspends US inspections of its military sites

Are affected by this suspension the missile launch bases as well as its air and naval bases where nuclear missiles are deployed. (illustration image) AP

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Russia announced on Monday August 8 that it was suspending planned American inspections of its nuclear military sites.

Inspections yet planned under the New Start treaty, the last key nuclear disarmament agreement between the great powers.

An announcement made as relations between Americans and Russians continue to deteriorate due to the conflict in Ukraine. 

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Are affected by this suspension, decided unilaterally by Russia, its missile launch bases as well as its air and naval bases where nuclear missiles are deployed.

Moscow says it made the decision because it was finding it increasingly difficult to conduct its own inspections on US soil.

She cites a resurgence of the Covid epidemic in the United States, and claims that, following Western sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine, her inspectors are having difficulty obtaining visas, and her planes are facing the closure of several airspaces. 

" suspension

 , and still says it greatly appreciates the unique role of

, the last remaining nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia, which limits the number of nuclear weapons to 1,500. warheads deployed by each of the two countries. 

But this announcement comes as just a week ago, US President Joe Biden invited Moscow to show its willingness to renew the New Start treaty when it expires in 2026. And while, in the midst of war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin keeps touting the new “ 

 ” weapons being developed by Russia. 

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• Russia

• Nuclear

• United States

• Defense