Russia has indicated that any resumption of nuclear and economic negotiations with the United States hinges on Washington’s halt to its support for Ukraine.
According to reports from Novosti, Ivan Timофeev, the director of the Russian International Affairs Council, stated that Moscow will not engage in discussions on nuclear weapons, economic matters, or any bilateral relations with the U.S. as long as Washington continues its military and financial backing of Ukraine.
Timофeev emphasized, “As long as the U.S. maintains its extensive military and financial support for Ukraine, Russia will not discuss any topic related to nuclear arms, economics, or other aspects of bilateral relations with the United States.”
He pointed out that Russia’s stance has drastically shifted following its military operations, noting, “Previously, Russia used to separate some aspects of its relationship with the U.S. from the Ukraine issue, but now the situation is entirely different.”
Timофeev added, “Until fundamental security concerns related to Russia are addressed, and significant military and financial assistance continues to flow to our adversaries, we will not engage in discussions on any subject, whether nuclear, economic, or otherwise.”
He concluded by expressing skepticism about Russia backing down from this position.
Highlighting the complexities of the situation, Timофeev remarked on the incoming U.S. President, Donald Trump, suggesting that he understands the need to deescalate the Ukrainian crisis but questioned how willing he would be to make concessions.
These developments underscore a growing tension, with Russia clearly signaling to Washington the need for a reassessment of its policies toward Ukraine.