Chart showing nuclear warheads deployed by Russia and US in 2009. Russia said Monday it was premature to set a date for a new round of nuclear disarmament talks on short-range missiles amid pressure from the United States for a quick reduction. France24"Big Challenges" in U.S.-Russian Tactical Nuke Talks, Samore Says -- Global Security Newswire
Significant issues are likely to arise in potential talks on drawing down the U.S. and Russian arsenals of tactical nuclear weapons, White House coordinator for arms control and nonproliferation Gary Samore told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (see GSN, March 8).
Following the entry into force of the bilateral New START strategic nuclear arms control pact, the Obama administration has said it would like to begin talks by next February on cutbacks to short-range nuclear arms (see related GSN story, today). The United States is believed to have roughly 200 such weapons deployed at military bases in several European countries, while Russia reportedly holds about 2,000 tactical nuclear systems within its borders.
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My Comment: There is no reason for Russia to agree to anything as long as the balance favors them. A point that everyone realizes .... with the exception of U.S. nuclear negotiators and their political masters in the White House.
If the U.S. wants reductions .... the strategy should be to make a determination to expand America's tactical nuclear stockpile, and then approach the Russians for an agreement. If they decide not to deal, expand the arsenal and then .... do not be surprised .... if serious talks will be forwarded by the Russians.