Russia and the US must explore the renewal of the START nuclear weapons reduction treaty, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Peskov stated that extension talks should have already begun because the issue is critical to global security. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, all talks between the US and Russia have been tense.

Also read: Watch | Air raid sirens welcome European leaders in Kyiv

“This is a topic that cannot be avoided,” Peskov said in an interview with the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti on Thursday.

“This discussion is important not only for the peoples of our two countries, but also for the whole world, for global security,” he continued.

The US and Russia earlier agreed to extend until February 4, 2026 the landmark New START pact, which limits the quantity of strategic offensive weapons each country can have.

Also read: On Xi’s birthday, Beijing and Moscow grow closer together

Former US President Barack Obama and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the historic agreement for a 10-year term in 2010.

It is the only pact between the United States and Russia that limits the buildup of the world’s two greatest nuclear arsenals, following the Trump administration’s withdrawal from a second nuclear arms control agreement with Russia, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), in 2019.

Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: List of new military aid for Kyiv from United States, allies

The extension of the New START Treaty enables for demonstrable limits on Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine launched ballistic missiles, and heavy bombers until February 5, 2026, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and the treaty’s “verification regime enables us to monitor Russian compliance with the treaty and provides us with greater insight into Russia’s nuclear posture, including through data exchanges and onsite inspections that allow U.S. inspectors to have eyes on Russian nuclear forces and facilities.”

Also read: Zelensky ‘grateful’ as US, allies send howitzers, helicopters to Ukraine

“We will also pursue arms control to reduce the dangers from China’s modern and growing nuclear arsenal,” Blinken assured. “The United States is committed to effective arms control that enhances stability, transparency and predictability while reducing the risks of costly, dangerous arms races.”