Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin the results of bilateral consultations on strategic stability. The telephone conversation took place on Wednesday, August 11.
"The results of bilateral consultations on strategic stability, as well as issues of global and regional security were discussed," the Russian defense ministry said.
On June 16, Russian and US Presidents Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden met at the Villa La Grange in Geneva. Following the talks, the leaders adopted a joint statement on strategic stability.
In addition, the parties agreed to return the ambassadors of the two countries and continue consultations on the future of the Strategic Offensive Arms Reduction Treaty (START-3).
The meeting of the delegations from Russia and the United States was held in Geneva on July 28. The sides discussed the approaches of the parties to issues of strategic stability, prospects for arms control and measures to reduce risks.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called the talks constructive. According to him, the United States did not impose its position at the meeting and 100% fulfilled its part of the obligations on strategic stability after the summit held in June.
At the same time, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov declared Russia's readiness to discuss with the United States any weapon with a strategic potential, whether nuclear or non-nuclear, offensive and defensive. The diplomat noted that the discussion of missile defense problems is overdue.
On August 9, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres, welcomed the efforts of Russia and the United States in the field of arms control.
