General Gurulev: Russia’s nuclear arsenal drives U.S. dialogue with Moscow
Russian General Andrei Gurulev says Washington’s main concern is Russia’s modernized nuclear arsenal, with New START expiring in 2026 and no limits on further development.
State Duma deputy and retired lieutenant general Andrei Gurulev pointed to what he described as Washington’s main concern that ultimately pushed the United States into dialogue with Moscow.
According to Gurulev, the issue is Russia’s vast and modernized strategic arsenal. He noted that for Washington, the Ukrainian conflict is geographically distant, while Russian forces capable of inflicting immediate and irreparable damage to the United States remain the real source of anxiety.
The general recalled that the New START treaty expires on February 5, 2026, after which the United States will no longer have any legal grounds to constrain the development of Russia’s nuclear potential. He added that this looming deadline is causing serious unease in Washington.
Gurulev stressed that, in his view, Russia’s nuclear shield is today the only factor preventing the West from attempting to crush the country outright.