Russia Suspends Participation in Obama-Era START Nuclear Treaty With U.S.

Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday’s announcement was that Russia would withdraw from the New START agreement with the United States. This treaty reduces and limits each country’s nuclear arsenal.

“In this regard, I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation in the strategic offensive arms treaty,” Putin made these remarks in his annual address, just one day following President Biden’s surprise visit to Ukraine.

In his long-delayed State-of-the Nation address, Putin cast Russia Ukraine and Russia as victims of Western double-dealing. He stated that Russia was fighting for Ukraine’s existence, and not Ukraine.

In his speech, the Russian leader reiterated the list of grievances he has repeatedly cited as justification for war. He also ignored international requests to withdraw from the occupied territories in Ukraine.

PRESIDENT BIDEN MAKES A SURPRISING VISIT TO KYIV. UKRAINE MEETS PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY

Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures during his annual State of the Nation address in Moscow, Russia on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. (Sergei Karpukhin Sputnik and Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

The New START treaty, first signed in April 2010, limits the U.S. and Russia from having more than 1,550 nuclear warheads deployed on delivery systems like intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missile or heavy bombers. 

Both the U.S. and Russia are capable of deploying far more than the allotted nuclear warheads as Washington and Moscow have a combined total of more than 13,000 warheads – making up roughly 90% of the world’s nuclear arsenal, according to data provided by the Arms Control Association.

After the end of the nuclear arms race, The fall of Soviet Union The U.N. has advocated for nuclear disarmament. Since 1985, when global stockpiles reached their peak of more than 70,000 warheads, global warhead inventories have declined. 

Putin’s speech is three days before the first-year anniversary Russia invades Ukraine

Despite Western sanctions and losses on battlefield, Russia has maintained its aggression against Ukraine in the past year. A number of other countries have supported Ukraine’s defense, but most of these are located in the West.

President Volodymyr Zeleskiy, Ukraine’s President, and President Biden, shake hands at Mariinsky Palace, Kyiv, Ukraine, February 20, 2023, during an unannounced trip.  (Evan Vucci/Pool via REUTERS)

According to Ukrainian officials, Russia is expected to intensify its offensive in Moscow’s acknowledgement of the one-year anniversary.

Biden and President Obama met Monday Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Mariinsky Palace will announce another half-billion dollars of U.S. aid. Already, the U.S. has provided financial assistance and military equipment in excess of tens billions to Ukraine. 

BIDEN ANNOUNCES MORE TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO HELP UKRAINE DURING A SURPRISE TRIP TO KYIV

President Biden walks alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zilenskyy, left, at St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv during an unannounced, Feb. 20, 2023, visit. (EVAN VUCCI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

This new assistance provides shells for howitzers, antitank missiles, and other aid, but not new weaponry.

Biden claimed that he traveled to Ukraine in order to meet Zelenskyy. “reaffirm our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.” He stated that Putin was “dead wrong” In believing that Ukraine was weak when he invaded it a year back.

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“I am meeting with President Zelenskyy and his team for an extended discussion on our support for Ukraine,” Biden made the statement in a Monday statement. “I will announce another delivery of critical equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments. And I will share that later this week, we will announce additional sanctions against elites and companies that are trying to evade or backfill Russia’s war machine.”

Fox News’ Caitlin McCFall, Nick Kalman, and the Associated Press contributed this report.