In order to extend the key arms reduction treaty New START, Russia shared that they are willing to agree on freezing their nuclear arsenal if the United States does not pose any other requirement, according to the Foreign Ministry of Russia.
Based on the statement, Russia proposed to extend the New START Treaty for a year along with the United States leading to freezing the number of nuclear warheads held by the parties for this period.
They also added in reference to the U.S.' rejection of Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer last week, regarding a one-year deal extension without any initial conditions.
It was noted that this treaty could be implemented exclusively only if there is an understanding that the freezing of warheads will not be accompanied by any additional requests from the United States.
According to CNN, Morgan Ortagus, the United States Department spokesperson, shared on Tuesday that they appreciate the willingness of the Russian Federation to make progress on the issue of controlling nuclear arms.
Ortagus also added in his statement that the U.S. is preparing to meet as soon as possible so they could finalize a verifiable agreement, and they also expect that Russia will empower its diplomats to do the same.
The landmark New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty is set to expire on February 5, and is the last treaty between the two powerful nations in placing limitations on the growing nuclear arsenals.
This happened since the U.S. formally withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty in August of 2019, ABC News reported.
Read also: Final Trump, Biden Face-off To Feature Muted Microphones
Previously, the United States offered Russia an option to sign a presidential memorandum that will also serve as a blueprint for the next comprehensive deal.
The offer was also made to address points of concern for the United States, which also includes China's nuclear potential and the tactical nuclear weapons of Russia.
However, China refused to join in any discussion concerning the said matter.
Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, shared in August that Russia respected the move that China made, and he also refused to convince China to sit down at the table for negotiations.
Russia also rejected a number of proposals coming from the U.S., which is part of a series of additional commitments to renew the deal.
According to a source who is familiar with regards to the efforts, United States President Donald Trump has been urging his national security team to secure a deal with Russia before the election in November, Yahoo! News reported.
The arms control envoy of the U.S. president, Marshall Billingslea, shared that if Russia does not agree to the deal before the election, the fee in entering will rise.
This suggests that the U.S. will be demanding more requirements to keep the deal going or even move forward without any ongoing treaty.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin, indicated earlier this month that he would be willing to work with Biden, the former vice president, and Trump's election rival, in extending the deal if he would win the presidential election.
Putin also stated that he sees strategic treaties as a major point in winning the U.S. and a winning move for the presidential seat.
Related article: Trump Administration to Sue Google Due to Anti-competitive Abuses in Search
