Russia accuses US of exceeding New START arms control limit

Russia’s foreign ministry is accusing the United States of exceeding the agreed limit of their New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), Reuters reported. 

The New START, which was extended in February, limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads, missiles and bombers that the U.S. and Russia deploy. 

Moscow’s foreign ministry in the statement reported by Reuters said that the U.S. had removed 56 launchers, 41 heavy bombers and four underground missile silos from the U.S. declared arsenal but that Russia could not confirm they were no longer nuclear capable.

The U.S. said it was complying with the treaty and that the launchers and bombers in question are not nuclear capable any longer, according to Reuters. 

The tensions come as the two sides discuss a possible summit between President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June.

A number of topics could be discussed at such a summit, including nuclear arms, Iran, climate change and Russia’s interference in U.S. elections.