The United States in the coming years may find itself having to increase the deployment of strategic nuclear weapons to deter growing threats from adversaries.
About this stated on Friday high-ranking White House National Security Council staffer Pranai Waddy.
Waddy made the announcement while speaking at a meeting of the Arms Control Association, outlining the Biden administration’s “more competitive approach” to arms control.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that he could place conventional missiles within striking distance of the United States and its European allies if they allow Ukraine to strike Russian territory with Western long-range weapons. However, on Friday, the Russian leader appeared to backtrack on his statements.
It is noted that the US will continue to adhere to the international arms control regime and the non-proliferation regime, designed to limit the spread of nuclear weapons.
However, Waddy said, Russia has refused to discuss a treaty that could replace the 2010 NPT, which limits the deployment of strategic nuclear weapons but expires in 2026. China has refused to negotiate over its expanding nuclear arsenal.
“In the coming years, we may come to the point where it will be necessary to increase the number of deployed nuclear weapons. We should be fully prepared for this if the president makes such a decision.” “If that day comes, it will be the result of an understanding that additional nuclear weapons are needed to deter our adversaries and protect the American people and our allies and partners.“, he added.
