Russian FM Lavrov Warns About Rising Risks of Nuclear Confrontation

The Chinese and U.S. national flags are seen before the start of a Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) conference in Beijing of the UN Security Council's five permanent members (P5) China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, China, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019.

According to Russia’s top diplomat, Moscow will raise its voice against a possible confrontation at the next summit of UN Security Council permanent members, which also includes the US, China, France, and Great Britain.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday stated that the risk of a global nuclear confrontation has increased significantly. He stressed that global security had deteriorated because Washington is dismantling the global arms control system.
“I agree that nuclear risks have recently increased substantially, that the security situation, international strategic stability are openly deteriorating. The reasons are also obvious to everyone: the US wants to regain global dominance and achieve victory in what they call the rivalry of the great powers”, he explained.

Dec. 4, 1989 file photo shows the launch of a Trident II, D-5 missile from the submerged USS Tennessee submarine in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. As of mid-2010, 12 operational U.S. nuclear-missile submarines carry a total of 288 Trident missiles. A movement is growing worldwide to abolish nuclear weapons, encouraged by President Barack Obama’s endorsement of that goal. But “realists” argue that more stability and peace must first be achieved in the world.

Lavrov also commented on the trade war between China and the United States, noting that Russia sees no profit in the standoff. He also said the methods Washington is using to force Beijing into strategic stability talks are less than polite.
“There are very, very worrying signs that, despite these signs of hope which must be cherished, US officials are increasingly making it personal, and in a very harsh form. This shows a high level of tension from both sides. And this high level is very worrying”, the minister said.
He expressed hope that “common sense will prevail and this will not reach the point of no return”.

The minister also said that the destiny of the New START Treaty is now clear, as Washington has decided not to extend it. The New START treaty, signed in 2010 is set to expire in February next year. The US has been insisting that China should join Washington and Moscow on nuclear talks, but Beijing has repeatedly said it is not interested.

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