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The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on February 4 with regard to the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty concluded between Russia and the US.

Though it had obvious problems, the New START had performed its major functions in the main, the statement said, noting that due to the structure-destroying measures of the US, it has become counterproductive for Russia to fulfil its commitment to the treaty at this stage when it goes out of existence.

Under the prevailing circumstances, Russia would not be bound by any duties related to the New START, it said.

The treaty, which was concluded in 2010 between Russia and the US, expired and its existence came to an end on February 5 as the latter evaded accepting Russia’s proposal for renewing the treaty.