The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is open to talks with the United States but insists that the discussions cover all dimensions, including the conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. believes that any negotiations regarding the war should be handled by Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and hinted at supplying Russian weapons to North Korea in response to Western arming of Ukraine. Putin also mentioned the possibility of reviewing Russia’s doctrine on the use of nuclear weapons, as the last arms control treaty that limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads is set to expire in 2026.
The Kremlin emphasized the need for comprehensive security talks with the United States, insisting that all dimensions, including the conflict in Ukraine, be addressed. Dmitry Peskov highlighted the importance of not isolating individual segments from the broader complex of problems and stressed the necessity of a broad dialogue that addresses all significant issues. While the U.S. rejects Russia’s claim that by arming Ukraine, it has become a direct antagonist aiming to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Moscow, Russia emphasizes that discussions about the war should include them. Peskov noted that the list of topics needing discussion between Russia and the U.S. is expanding due to the accumulation of problems in the global security architecture.
From the perspective of the United States, Vladimir Putin’s actions, such as signing a mutual defense agreement with North Korea and considering the supply of Russian weapons to the country in response to Western arming of Ukraine, generate security concerns. Additionally, Putin has indicated a potential review of Russia’s doctrine on nuclear weapons, given that the last arms control treaty limiting the deployment of strategic nuclear warheads is set to expire in 2026. The U.S. believes that Putin, in the midst of the third year of the conflict in Ukraine, is contributing to the growing list of security concerns globally.
Overall, the Kremlin and Dmitry Peskov reiterate the pressing need for discussions with the United States that encompass all relevant dimensions, including the conflict in Ukraine and other global security issues. Both Russia and the U.S. must address the accumulation of problems in the global security architecture to ensure comprehensive dialogue and solutions. Putin’s recent actions and statements, such as the agreement with North Korea and the review of Russia’s nuclear weapons doctrine, have heightened security concerns and highlighted the importance of thorough discussions between the two nations. As the arms control treaty’s expiration date approaches in 2026, the need for dialogue and cooperation between Russia and the U.S. becomes increasingly critical.
