Russia Insists on Total Ban of Nuclear Drills in Non-Nuclear States

© AP Photo / Los Alamos National LaboratoryThe mushroom cloud from Ivy Mike (codename given to the test) rises above the Pacific Ocean over the Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands on November 1, 1952 at 7:15 am (local time)
The mushroom cloud from Ivy Mike (codename given to the test) rises above the Pacific Ocean over the Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands on November 1, 1952 at 7:15 am (local time) - Sputnik International
Subscribe
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia insists on introducing a complete ban on military exercises related to the use of nuclear weapons in non-nuclear states, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Friday.

"A complete ban should be introduced on any drills related to honing skills of using nuclear weapons by troops of non-nuclear states", Ryabkov said.

The diplomat added that Washington had not responded to Russia's proposal to issue a joint statement on the avoidance of a nuclear war.

READ MORE: US Military, Lawmakers Say Communication with Russia Needed to Avert Nuclear War

Ryabkov stressed that the US handing over its nuclear weapons to non-nuclear states goes against the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

"This… creates additional obstacles for nuclear disarmament. This problem can have only one solution — the return of all US nuclear weapons to the US, a ban on their use abroad and demolition of the infrastructure that allows using these weapons fast", Ryabkov said.

NATO's policy of nuclear deterrence relies partly on US nuclear arms deployed in Europe.

DAY 54 - In this March 14, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump shakes hands with Saudi Defense Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington - Sputnik International
US Will 'Never' Allow Saudi Arabia to Become Nuclear Power - Pompeo
At the moment, there are five nuclear states in the world recognised in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as such — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. India, North Korea, and Pakistan have carried out nuclear tests, but are not parties to the treaty.

Speaking further, Ryabkov said that the United States had submitted its justification for deploying Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system to Romania, while Moscow was studying the reasons.

"Yes, we have received a certain amount of information and justifications for the temporary deployment of… THAAD systems during relevant works at the missile defence facility… We have taken this into account, we are studying these reasons", Ryabkov told a briefing.

The United States' European Command has said that THAAD would be moved to Romania in the summer during maintenance work on the Aegis Ashore located there.

On Possible Nuclear Agrement

According to the senior official, Russia will analyse all US ideas on a new nuclear agreement if and when it receives specific proposals from Washington.

"If we receive specific proposals, of course, we will analyse what the US side might offer us and contact them over the matter", the diplomat said.

CNN reported earlier in the day that the White House was holding intense internal discussions to enable US President Donald Trump to pursue his intention to negotiate a major nuclear deal with Russia and China.

On North Korea

According to the deputy foreign minister, Moscow will brief Washington on the results of the recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after the Russian top-level delegation returns from China.

"I think, it will happen after the president and the entire delegation return from China", Ryabkov said, answering a corresponding question.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала