ANY new talks on the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (Start) should consider Britain and France's nuclear arsenals, Russia said today. 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the domestic Tass news agency it was time to reopen talks between the United States and Russia, but the arsenals of Britain and France must be included in any dialogue.

Mr Peskov said: “Of course the negotiations should be started at the bilateral level. After all, the Start Treaty is a bilateral document. 

“But in the future, it will not be possible to abstract ourselves from these arsenals. Especially since these arsenals are part of the overall problem of global European security and strategic stability.” 

Start III set limits on the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles, other missiles, and nuclear warheads for Moscow and Washington. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in February 2023 that Moscow was suspending its participation in the treaty, though would not be withdrawing.

Mr Putin told a meeting of his country’s security council on September 22 that Russia was prepared to abide by the terms of Start III for one year after the treaty expires in February 2026. But, he insisted, this would only be possible if the US did the same.

Mr Peskov also told Tass that Mr Putin’s invitation to US leader Donald Trump remains open and it was now up to the US to decide whether they were prepared to accept.

He said: “President Putin is ready and would be glad to meet President Trump. The rest depends on Trump’s decision.” 

In August, after talks with Mr Trump in Anchorage, Mr Putin suggested holding the next meeting in Moscow. 

Mr Trump said it could be possible but admitted he may face criticism for it.

Mr Peskov’s comments came the day after Russia unleashed a barrage of drones and missiles on Ukraine on Sunday, killing at least four people, with Kiev suffering the heaviest assault. 

It was the first major bombardment since an air attack on Ukraine’s capital left at least 21 people dead last month.

Separately, speaking to Fox News US Vice-President JD Vance said Mr Trump was reviewing a request by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for Tomahawk cruise missiles. 

Tomahawks have a range of around 1,000 miles, which would put Moscow within range.

“It’s something that the president is going to make the final determination on. I know that we’re reviewing that request. We’re also reviewing a number of other requests,” Mr Vance said.