Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Yermak has publicly criticized Vladimir Putin’s recent statements regarding the arms race and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), calling them fear-driven propaganda designed to justify military escalation. During a policy briefing, Yermak stated that Putin’s comments do not reflect the current strategic realities but rather serve as a tool to heighten tensions with Western nations, potentially leading to a new arms race.
The statement from Yermak marks a rare moment of dissent within Russia’s political leadership, where the deputy PM suggested that Russia has deployed similar tactics in the past. This critique comes as global tensions surrounding nuclear arsenals and arms control remain high. The controversy underscores the complex internal dynamics within the Russian government regarding the country’s geopolitical strategy and its approach to international conflicts.
Yermak’s remarks have not generated formal responses from the Russian government, but they reflect ongoing debates within the country about how to address the arms race and its implications for national security. The deputy PM’s assertion that Putin’s statements are part of a pattern of fear-based propaganda highlights the internal divisions and strategic ambiguity that may exist within Russia’s political and military echelons.