President: Russia ready to talk strategic stability with US

Russian President Vladimir Putin has affirmed that Moscow is willing to engage in comprehensive discussions with the United States on matters of strategic stability.

Speaking to journalists, Putin emphasized that Russia remains open to dialogue on key international security issues, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“We are ready, together with the American administration, to consider all matters concerning strategic stability,” the Russian leader stated.

Putin also addressed the recent US decision to impose new sanctions on Russian oil companies, expressing surprise at Washington’s move. He stressed that there have been no recent conflicts between the two countries that would justify such measures.

The Russian president recalled that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where they “generally discussed” bilateral issues. “And suddenly the United States announces sanctions against two of our oil companies. For what reason? Honestly, I didn’t even understand what was happening,” Putin said.

He further referenced his meetings with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, including discussions during the Russia-US summit in Alaska. “And then—boom—sanctions are imposed that damage our relations, without any clear reason. Frankly, for us, the signal is unclear,” he added.

In addition, Putin confirmed that Russia will raise the issue of nuclear test preparations in discussions with the United States. “Yes, if this issue arises, and even if it does not, we will certainly raise it, because it is clear to both the US and us that preparing for actual nuclear tests takes time. We cannot be in a situation where the US conducts tests while we still have a year and a half of preparation,” he explained.

The president emphasized that Russia did not initiate talks on nuclear testing but must be ready for any eventuality. “And I assure you, we will be ready,” Putin concluded.

By Vafa Guliyeva