Head of the Tenth Review Conference for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Gustavo Zlauvinen told RIA Novosti on Monday, in an interview, that Russia and the United States might end up without the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) in 2026, as there continues to be a major lack in communication at the highest levels.
Nevertheless, Zlauvinen stated that he hopes such a scenario will not take place, as the further buildup in the nuclear arsenal on either side could "result in a new arms race between the two superpowers, which would be extremely dangerous." He urged Washington and Moscow to go ahead with discussing the deal as soon as possible, as he believes the negotiations will be difficult and "will take a lot of time."
