Russia Says It Will Adhere to Nuclear Treaty Rules , Despite Suspending Deal With US.<br />On Feb. 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow is suspending its participation in the New START Treaty.<br />But Reuters reports that on Feb. 22, Major-General Yevgeny Ilyin, a top <br />Russian defense ministry official, .<br />said Russia will continue to honor agreed limits on nuclear weapons and tell the U.S. about any deployment changes.<br />Doing so will help "to prevent false <br />alarms, which is important for <br />maintaining strategic stability," he said.<br />While Putin's announcement of <br />suspended participation will likely not <br />have much of an immediate impact.<br />it may point to future trouble <br />regarding the treaty.<br />According to security analysts, if the U.S. and Russia fail to replace or renew the agreement when it expires in 2026, a new arms race could unfold.<br />Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked whether Russia will return to the agreement.<br />Everything will depend on the position of the West... When there's a willingness to take into account our concerns, then the situation will change, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, via Reuters.<br />Deputy Foreign Minister <br />Sergei Ryabkov also issued a statement.<br />We will, of course, be closely monitoring the further actions of the United States and its allies, including with a view to taking further countermeasures, if necessary, Sergei Ryabkov, Deputy Foreign Minister, via Reuters
