Biden Agrees to Extend 'New START' with Russia

Excluding China
Strengthening Offensive Against Russia Including Hacking and Navalny Cases

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The Biden administration in the United States is reportedly set to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) previously signed with Russia. The former Trump administration hoped to include China in New START, but the Biden administration has decided to renew the treaty only with Russia and is expected to strengthen its offensive stance against Russia in the future.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 21st (local time) that the Biden administration is pushing for a 5-year extension of New START. A source told WP, "New START aligns with the national security interests of the United States, and it makes even more sense when relations with Russia are hostile." Following media reports, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki also confirmed, "We are pursuing an extension of New START."

Since both countries share the will, the extension of the treaty is certain, but WP reported that some Biden administration officials believe the extension should be for 1 to 2 years instead of 5 years.

New START was signed with Russia in 2010 during former President Barack Obama's administration. It limits the number of nuclear warheads for both the U.S. and Russia to 1,550 each and is set to expire on March 5. Former President Trump pressured Russia to include China in this treaty, but China has not agreed. WP judged that the Biden administration has no plans to include China in New START.

The Biden administration is also expected to launch an immediate offensive against Russia. WP reported that an official said, "President Biden will instruct Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), to report evidence regarding Russia's recent reckless and aggressive actions."

These include a large-scale hacking incident targeting federal government agencies believed to be linked to Russia, repression of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and suspicions of ordering the killing of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to the White House, has repeatedly warned about Russia even before the administration took office. An official explained, "We will prepare countermeasures against Russian aggression within weeks." WP noted that unlike former President Trump, it is highly unusual for the Biden administration to announce punitive measures against Russia from the start of its term.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.