Russian Ambassador Antonov Refutes O’Brien on New START Treaty

Oct. 18, 2020 (EIRNS)—Russia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov delivered a stiff rebuke to National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien’s refusal to consider President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to extend the treaty, as is, for one year while negotiating a long-term extension. O’Brien claimed that the Putin offer would not freeze nuclear warheads. Antonov said “It is sad that the United States is trying to turn everything upside down,” and said that “a normal dialogue,” not an “ultimatum,” was required.

Antonov pointed out that he had confirmed the United States plan to deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles in the Asian Pacific region within firing range of Russia. Russia, he said, had unilaterally committed not to deploy intermediate- or short-range missiles in any region unless and until the United States deploys them within range of Russia. He said, “The Americans are confident that they will win the arms race, they are confident that they will complete the previous policy of tearing the Russian economy to shreds,” and that the responsible officials refused to engage in dialogue concerning the dangers of that approach.