Russian security proposals cover all types of offensive, defensive weapons, cyberspace, outer space, AI - General Staff

MOSCOW. Dec 9 (Interfax) - The new security equation proposed by Russia could become an effective mechanism of arms control and strategic stability, Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov said.

"Today, there is need for a new approach to the development of arms control mechanisms, so Russia has proposed a new security equation that covers all types of offensive and defensive weapons essential for strategic stability, as well as new areas of confrontation, such as cyberspace, outer space, and artificial intelligence," Gerasimov said at a briefing for foreign military attaches on Thursday.

The deterioration of the arms control system has been affecting global security levels, he said.

"Situational analysis shows that the real reason why the INF Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty have been dismantled is the desire of the United States to shrug off limitations on the development of weapons. The deployment of intermediate and shorter-range missiles in Europe and the Asia Pacific region creates a serious threat to regional and global security. Hence, our proposal of a mutual moratorium on the deployment of such missiles remains on the table," Gerasimov said.

The shift of military confrontation to outer space is yet another problem, he said.

"Washington isn't ready to undertake international obligations to prevent an arms race in space. The Russian Federation has been urging space powers over the years to sign a treaty on the prevention of the weaponization of space. A draft agreement to the effect has been submitted to the United Nations, yet the U.S. and its allies have been blocking it. The U.S. side openly says that it has no desire to bind itself with any obligations in space," Gerasimov said.