Report: Russia, US discuss first nuke talks since Ukraine crisis

Russian and US state flags fly near a factory in Vsevolozhsk, Leningrad Region, Russia March 27, 2019. (ANTON VAGANOV / REUTERS)

MOSCOW – Russia and the United States are discussing holding talks on strategic nuclear weapons for the first time since Moscow started its special military operation in Ukraine, Russian newspaper Kommersant said on Tuesday, citing four sources familiar with the discussions.

The talks may take place in the Middle East, Russian newspaper Kommersant said

Talks between the two sides on strategic stability have been frozen since the Ukraine crisis began on Feb 24, even as the New START treaty on nuclear arms reduction stays in effect.

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The talks may take place in the Middle East, the paper said, adding that Moscow no longer saw Switzerland, the traditional venue, as sufficiently neutral after it imposed sanctions on Russia over Ukraine.