We urge Russia and the United States to return to dialogue to manage the risks of nuclear weapons, which are particularly high at times of increased global tensions.

President Putin’s action increases the existential threat of nuclear catastrophe for humanity and risks the safety and security of all nations. It runs contrary to Russia’s own security interests, and raises the alarming prospect of a world without any constraints on the arsenals of the two nuclear superpowers – Russia and the United States – for the first time since 1972.

Russia’s actions further underline the importance of global unity in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, and against President Putin’s cynical use of nuclear blackmail to further his belligerent ambitions.

Neutrality is not a moral option in the face of Russia’s war of aggression, and it is in the interest of all states to make clear that violations of the UN Charter and international law will not go unpunished.  

Despite the dangerous actions of the Russian government, we still believe that dialogue remains the only effective way to limit nuclear risks and prevent a new self-defeating arms race taking hold between the main nuclear powers. 

To avoid further exacerbating tensions, we urge Russia to continue to observe New START limits even while it has suspended implementation of the treaty. We recognise the measured response from the US government so far, and encourage the US to preserve space for restoring Russian compliance with the treaty should circumstances change.

Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders, and former President of Ireland said:

“President Putin’s suspension of New START participation is another worrying attempt to use nuclear sabre-rattling to further his war of aggression against Ukraine. This is in direct violation of Russia’s international obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty to pursue nuclear disarmament in good faith. The world must respond with a united voice to condemn Russia’s dangerous actions and to pressure them to reverse course.”

Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Chair of The Elders and former Secretary-General of the United Nations, said:

“I am alarmed at Russia’s decision to suspend participation in New START, which risks fuelling a dangerous and expensive new arms race with unpredictable consequences for the entire world. Such an outcome would be in the interests of no-one, including the people of Russia. This requires a sober response from the United States and the broader international community to persuade Russia to return to compliance with the treaty while making clear that the world will not be held hostage by President Putin’s nuclear blackmail.”

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and Chair of The Elders

Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General and Deputy Chair of The Elders

Graça Machel, Founder of the Graça Machel Trust, co-founder and Deputy Chair of The Elders 

Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway and former Director-General of the WHO

Elbegdorj Tsakhia, former President and Prime Minister of Mongolia

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Hina Jilani, Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and co-chair of the Taskforce on Justice

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Laureate

Ricardo Lagos, former President of Chile

Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate

Ernesto Zedillo, former President of Mexico

ENDS

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