A Russian cruise missile at Kubinka, outside Moscow. (Photo: AP/VNA)

The State Department said Russia is refusing to facilitate inspections on its territory as required under the treaty, but insisted that the United States remains committed to restoring compliance with the accord.

The same day, Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council said Washington was the first party to violate its obligations. Kosachev criticized the US of "trying to create such conditions so that it could unilaterally exercise the right to inspect Russia", which goes against New START because the control mechanism provided for in the Treaty is perfectly balanced.