4th June 2023 – (Moscow) A Russian official stated on Saturday that Russia will continue to provide notifications of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launches under the 1988 Ballistic Missile Launch Notification Agreement to avoid dangerous escalations. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that Russia has taken note of the U.S.’s intention to continue fulfilling the agreement and that relevant procedures will be maintained on Russia’s side.
While notifications will not be transmitted within the framework of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), a certain level of transparency and predictability will remain in this area, allowing both sides to avoid further dangerous escalations.
In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Moscow’s suspension of participation in New START, but made it clear that Russia would not withdraw from the treaty. On 1st March, Putin signed a law to officially suspend Russia’s participation in the treaty. Ryabkov reiterated that Russia’s decision to suspend New START is unshakable, regardless of any measures or countermeasures from the U.S., and that the U.S. must renounce its fundamentally hostile policy towards Russia for the treaty to function fully.
Previously, the U.S. State Department announced that it would stop providing Moscow with data on the status and location of its missiles and launchers covered by New START starting from 1st June.