Russia does not have the resources for an "unlimited" nuclear arms race, said Colin H. Kahl, the US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, answering a question about Russian President Putin's decision to suspend the nuclear arms treaty.
Source. CNN
"Frankly speaking, Russia is not in a position to engage in an unrestrained nuclear arms race. They don't have the money, especially given the burden on their armed forces due to the war, sanctions, export controls. I think from a practical standpoint, it hasn't changed the situation," Kahl told the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.
He added that if Moscow uses any nuclear weapons in Ukraine, the consequences will be serious.
However, he noted that vigilance is necessary, given that Russia remains a dangerous state with a large number of nuclear weapons. In his opinion, it is unlikely that Moscow will use nuclear weapons.
"They have already violated the verification regime, justifying it with covid and other things. It is also interesting that Putin decided to suspend rather than withdraw from the treaty. I think this is actually an indicator that it will not have the proper effect for us," said Kahl.
Background. As reported, Putin announced the suspension of Russia's participation in the nuclear weapons treaty with the United States, and he also said that Russia would conduct nuclear tests if the United States did it first.