Putin promises to conduct nuclear testing if the US violates the New Start deal after Russia suspends participation

At the state of the nation address in Moscow, Putin declared,”I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation in the strategic offensive arms treaty.”

According to a statement issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 21, Russia is suspending its participation in the “New Start” treaty, a strategic weapons agreement with the United States that prevents both countries from bolstering their nuclear arsenals.

Putin pledged to carry out nuclear testing if Washington did so during his address to the nation’s lawmakers in Moscow.

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“I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation in the strategic offensive arms treaty,” he stated.

“If the United States conducts nuclear tests, Russia will also do it,” Putin continued. A day prior, US Vice President Joe Biden made an unexpected trip to Kyiv and reaffirmed the West’s support for the Ukrainian government in his speech.

Russia and the US signed the New Start agreement in 2010, and it was extended through 2021. According to the provisions of the extension agreed upon by the two parties, it was anticipated to extend at least until 2026. The agreement sought to reduce tensions between the two superpowers by decreasing the number of strategic nuclear missile launchers and restricting the usage of missiles that may carry nuclear warheads.