OREANDA-NEWS. According to CNN, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby expressed his opinion on the decision of US President Joe Biden to extend the Treaty on Measures to Further Reduce and Limit Strategic Offensive Arms (START, unofficially known as START-3) with Russia.

According to Kirby, “Russia's adherence to this treaty has served America's national interests perfectly, and Americans will be much safer if START III is maintained and extended. If the START III missile treaty is not extended soon, it will weaken America's understanding of Russian long-range nuclear forces. ”

According to a Pentagon spokesman, the extension of the treaty until 2026 will provide time and opportunity for both states, Russia and the United States, to be able to study new verifiable arms control agreements, "which could further reduce the possible risks for Americans."

Earlier, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that the US authorities intend to extend START-3 by five years.

Biden's plans to extend START-3 were revealed by candidate for the post of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on January 20. He said that it is necessary to resolve the issue of extending the missile treaty as soon as possible; the president's team will address this issue to legislators almost immediately after Biden takes office.