A Pivotal Year For U.S. - Russia Arms Control Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany July 7, 2017 © Reuters /Sputnik/ Kremlin /Mikhail Klimentyev

Rebecca Kheel, The Hill: Trump faces pivotal year with Russia on arms control

The coming year is poised to be pivotal for U.S.-Russia arms control talks.

The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the last major treaty constraining the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals, is set to expire in early 2021.

That means President Trump has to get serious in 2020 about engaging in arms control talks with Russia, supporters of renewing the treaty say.

Trump has said he wants a broader deal that also folds in China, a much heavier feat than just extending the existing treaty. But in 2020, Trump will also be focused on his reelection campaign. And his always controversial relationship with Russia is a wild card.

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WNU Editor: Russian President Lavrov comments on arms control with the U.S., and President Trump personally (see below):

Russia's Lavrov says Trump told Putin U.S. will continue looking for arms treaty solutions: Ifax -- Reuters
Russia Ready to Show Sarmat Missile System to US, Include it in New START Treaty - Lavrov -- Sputnik
US has ‘no more excuses’ to avoid New START Treaty discussion as Russia is ready to renew it immediately – Russia’s FM Lavrov -- RT
Moscow Won’t Sacrifice Relations With China ‘Just to Make Americans Happy’ – Lavrov -- Sputnik
Russia's Lavrov Reveals What He Likes the Most About Trump -- Sputnik
‘He says what he thinks directly’: Russia’s Lavrov reveals peculiarities of foreign policy talks with Trump -- RT

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