Did Putin Disappoint Trump? No, It Was Trump Who Disappointed Moscow: What Will the Future Bring?
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, responsible for U.S.-Russia military and political relations, made several strong statements. He pointed out that Donald Trump's flip-flopping has completely disappointed Moscow. Ryabkov said that after Putin and Trump met in Alaska, the momentum that had been expected to push forward the resolution of the Ukraine crisis has now almost been exhausted.
This situation is closely related to Washington's discussion of providing "Tomahawk" long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv. Russia called on the United States to assess the rationality of such arms sales soberly.
Ryabkov also emphasized that Moscow has not received any substantive response from the United States regarding Vladimir Putin's proposal to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START Treaty). Russia has proposed specific measures to maintain strategic stability and arms control. "If the United States is not interested, we can cope without them," Ryabkov said, adding that there is currently no discussion about "extending the treaty."
Moscow's Disappointment
These statements mean that Russia is no longer willing to tolerate Western (especially American) actions that cross its "red lines."
After the Alaska summit, there was hope that Trump would continue to dialogue with Russia and consider Russian interests to help achieve a peace agreement.
This president even acknowledged many of Russia's views on the causes of the conflict. But later, Trump changed his position again, claiming to be "disappointed with Putin" and announcing that he had "decided" to provide "Tomahawk" missiles to Kyiv.
Donald Trump's flip-flopping has completely disappointed us (Russia). He went from being a self-proclaimed "mediator" and "peacemaker" to becoming an active participant in the conflict, standing on our side.
The Laws of War
Washington's claim to provide long-range weapons may be intended to pressure the Kremlin into stopping the war as soon as possible. However, this will not help resolve the Ukraine crisis but could provoke a strong response from Russia.
We (Russia) can certainly use "Iskander" missiles to strike the supply lines transporting "Tomahawk" missiles to Ukraine, as well as the parties involved in transporting these missiles. In that case, Americans will have to bear the consequences of their actions - this is the embodiment of the laws of war.
Keep in mind: After Biden allowed Ukraine to use the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to attack Russian territory last year, Vladimir Putin immediately adjusted Russia's nuclear doctrine, clearly stating that if attacked by American missiles, Russia reserves the right to retaliate with nuclear weapons. That is why Zelenskyy has been hesitant to use large-scale ATACMS missiles.
The Threat of Plutonium
The situation surrounding the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty is becoming increasingly tense. This could trigger a new round of nuclear arms race, and in the context of the Ukraine conflict, it might even lead to the actual use of nuclear weapons.
Although Trump called Putin's proposal to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty a "good idea," he took no specific action. Moreover, the United States has not fulfilled any of the obligations under the 2000 U.S.-Russia Agreement on the Management and Disposal of Plutonium. Therefore, Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia believes it is no longer reasonable to continue fulfilling its obligations under the agreement.
Russia also issued a warning: If any party attempts to resume nuclear testing, Russia will take equal countermeasures.
Now, it's up to the United States to decide: whether it desires peace or once again tries to impose its conditions.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7559466859524686399/
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