Russian FM critiques Biden's nuclear negotiation comments as political manoeuvring

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has offered his perspective on President Joe Biden's recent remarks concerning potential nuclear arms negotiations with Russia. 

Lavrov suggested that Biden's statements are strategically aimed at enhancing the political prospects of Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seeking the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. 

“This desire to engage in discussions appears to be an effort to score electoral points for the Democratic Party candidate," Lavrov remarked in an interview with a Russian newspaper, Caliber.Az reports.

Furthermore, Lavrov asserted that irrespective of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election, the United States will continue to view Russia as a potential adversary. He stated, “Regardless of who wins the election, we will remain, if not an enemy, certainly a competitor.” 

Biden had previously indicated his readiness to engage in discussions aimed at nuclear arms reduction with Russia, China, and North Korea, and did so without setting any preconditions. His remarks coincided with the announcement of this year's Nobel Peace Prize awarded to a Japanese organisation representing atomic bomb survivors, which reflects ongoing efforts to advocate for nuclear disarmament.

The organization, Nihon Hidankyo, aims to highlight the severe humanitarian consequences of nuclear warfare. 

In this context, Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has publicly acknowledged the United States' role in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach that balances deterrence strategies with a commitment to reducing nuclear arsenals.

By Tamilla Hasanova