"To create the conditions for a return to full-scale operation of New START, Washington must reconsider its hostile anti-Russian policy. So far we see exactly the opposite: the United States is not ready even for symbolic positive gestures," Antonov told reporters.
"Following a procedure not agreed upon with Russia, it declares SLBM launchers and heavy bombers incapable of carrying out nuclear missions. More than a hundred of them have been illegitimately withdrawn from the Treaty’s counting rules. Our inspectors have never been given the opportunity to verify the results of the ‘conversion’," he said.
"If the United States were a responsible nuclear power, it would have ratified the CTBT long ago. It is Washington that is responsible for the fact that the treaty has not yet entered into force. Other states on which the fate of the CTBT depends look at the US policy for cues. Why would they hurry if the Administration is unwilling to put a legal end to nuclear testing?" Antonov told reporters.