Presentation which will be followed by questions from me and hopefully you the audience as well. With that, i would like to invite the ambassador to begin his presentation. Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure for me to be with you. It is a great pleasure to discuss russianamerican relations. Course it is not too many contradictions have accumulated. An ongoing debate on who is more at fault. Conflicting views on who should take the First Step Towards the other side. That for now,t this resembles a circle without any clear perspective of trying on many occasions [indiscernible] due to objective reasons that wont be of the whole plans from the quality of russian United States relations. That after ther achieving the coming victory on the struggle to preserve the foundations of human civilization, 75 years ago, moscow and russia assumed primary responsibility. For maintaining common peace and security according to the u. N. Charter. Many principles of International Communication enshrined in this document have eroded in recent days. An increase in manageability on war politics. The dangerous trend toward rising nations [indiscernible] president Vladimir Putin in his latest article on the 75th anniversary of victory in world war ii paid special attention to the history and shaping of the modern system of international federations. Where various powers proclaimed connectivityent to seek for compromises and reject attempts to preserve duty to global strategic stability and prevent local conflicts from spreading and barf into great wars. More in this regard, the president of russia could Show Initiative to convene a meeting of the heads of Member States of the un Security Council. We believe that summit would play at an essential role in finding ways to improve the following ait from scenario of unpredictable consequences. [indiscernible] i can only say i can see there is trajectory over the past 30 with all of the ups and downs that there is a sequence in a failure to finish the cold winners and losers. [indiscernible] they need to find temporarily some importance to russia, not just in terms of engaging but ensuring the United States agenda. Be not an exaggeration to say that armscontrol issues can always be made the core of the United States russia relations. We are deeply concerned about the United States actions leading to the collapse of strategic the architecture of military restraint and mutual transparency that proved to be effective during the difficult moments of the cold war have become a burden to washington. Creatingthey are military strategic environments washingtons goal is to be able fails tonever it achieve its objectives with political goals. As they have demonstrated, it policy basedoreign on force or the threat of using will inevitably bring out instability. Potentialict and confrontation. If we take approach to finding Common Solutions to global security, the United Statesrussian strategic compatibility consultations provide one of the key for such efforts. In the series of meetings took place june 22 in vienna. Countries held such an event should be considered a signal. Of megaphone diplomacy, we need direct communication on the most pressing issues. Meeting was fantastic in a positive manner. It focused on aspects of armscontrol as well as approaches to International Security progress. The important outcome with the parties control their interest in continuing dialogue. They also identified a few topics for discussion. Agreed tolar, they hold a meeting on space issues. It was also decided to conduct an expert level reading to the staff Nuclear Doctrines and strategies including the use of Nuclear Weapons. Andree to show transparency. It is likely to be one of the most difficult topics our country approaches. Then we also discuss the issues. [indiscernible] russian mitigation armed armscontrol should be based on a Mutual Respect for each others interests and concerns. Support a we comprehensive approach to agreements in this area. Do not see any betrayal to take into account for example, the relationship defenses and defensive strategic systems. [indiscernible] the parties could not achieve a common understanding of the extension of the new treaty. Threat, iled china hope it will be time today to discuss with you all of these elements. Argument why its under the curtain current circumstances it would be reasonable mutual beneficial spirit escalation arms race and a formidable [indiscernible] russia was ready to start discussions on technical issues related to the tension of the treaty immediately. However, the United States does not think like sufficient. Stability contrary to the claims of u. S. Officials, it does not or former stops at all costs. Aboutabout extreme steps modernization as it protects the foundation. Of theobal concern treaty and on certain future of new staff, we deem it is important to reassure everyone that they do not intend to drift the End Foundation or of humankind. The United States should adopt a declaration on the inadmissibility of nuclear war. It has yet to be received. I would like to conclude with the words of the russian president said on june 24 of the military parade and the 75th anniversary of the victory of the war. Itunderstand how important is to strengthen friendship between nations and we are open among issues on the agenda. The creation of a viable thatity system, something will change with the modern world. Fromll protect the world new and dangerous threats. E is another born idea important idea. Homeland, it does not apply to weaponry. What the world requires is not a a racee, it requires toward reasonableness. Race. Better run that words were said not by mr. Than half aore francisco, in san that we would like the administration to take the new expiration ofc the american politician. Thank you very much. Thank you, mr. Ambassador for that fascinating and sweeping exposition of russian concerns and aspirations on foreign policy. This thing washington, however, this being washington, before we delve into the big picture, i would like to ask you about an issue that is provoking a cry in the nations capitol. Thely, the issue of reported russian bounties in afghanistan. Mike worry to you is my query to you is has the russian government contacted about this issue in any form since he became a public matter in recent weeks since it became a public matter in recent weeks . I received a few questions by email and i hope it will be an opportunity for me to answer them. They are involved in strategic talks between the u. S. And russia. Elements ive hope that we can comment on them later. Im not surprised that you have raised this issue. Tried to establish constructive communication lines with american journalists. Doors of the Russian Embassy are open for everybody who would like to know opinions russian opinion on the subject. Today that fake news is very popular in the United States. Sometimes i am shocked by some articles involving socalled malign activities from one country to another one. It may be a stupid question, honesty, decency, selfrespect, dignity when we are talking about journalists. I know there are a lot of famous and popular mass media that publish news. I would like to say to you officially that these canadian and aby downright lie. What concrete evidence has been presented . They are trying to create an impression that our country is an enemy of the United States. Do not forget that i have studied my remarks on the i tried to persuade everybody in the United States seeking sensations. To controllists aim the dialogue between two countries and between representatives of our countries and ambassadors. Atmosphere and deflect attention they need to intensify efforts to launch their consultation to counterterrorist and drug threats emanating from afghanistan. Thatld like to emphasize fightingady and we are terrorism in the in afghanistan. It may be my poor english consultations, that big word. I remember that once i made a mistake in a discussion and i was told by one journalist. I would like to say to you that we are in close contact with american official colleagues and we will discuss all issues provocation news published by mass media in the United States. Reject like to totally aggressions against russians. We are not interested in any type of terrorism in afghanistan. Lost so many thousands of lives of russian soldiers. We understand how it is and we are negotiating on this issue and we are in close contact. Guys whohame on those are trying to divide the line between the Russian Federation and the United States on this issue. Thank you for that comprehensive answer. There was only one thing i would have to dispute which is that your english is superb. Mr. Antonov thank you. Question from Richard White who asks, how does the russian government assess the results of this weeks special conference on the future of the open skies treaty . Open sky treaty, it is an important issue. Jacob, i would like to say personally i have spent more than 30 years being in armscontrol development for the federation. Createder how we have the architecture of armscontrol together with the u. S. With other g5 members. I would like to express my statesthat the united decided to withdraw from some very important legally binding documents and treaties. Open sky treaties, in light of the decision to withdraw from and the sky treaty United States it is important to remember that the treaty is a relevant means of strengthening measures and ensuring a direction of the participating states in terms of a military flareup. In the beginning the u. S. Tried to dissuade the russian treaty. On from this this. S. Did a lot of in the end, we have agreed and ratified and now we dont know what to do, what kind of effort should we make to dissuade the u. S. To come back to this treaty. Given the shortage of dialogue ofween russia and countries military security issues, there are it is an essential channel of communication that has to be compensated for. You had mentioned, and you are right, july 6, the special contract for the state budget for the open sky treaty took place. Media called the connection nd [indiscernible] thertunately russia and u. S. Failed to bring together their positions. We consider them to show no political will for acceptable solutions. The creation is similar. When there was the decision of china,. To withdraw from andu. S. Had founded products to withdraw and blaming the Russian Federation on this treaty. When we are talking about the decision of the u. S. To withdraw from this treaty, there is a difference. , the open skies treaty is not a literal treaty. I would like to raise a question, i dont want to torture you. I dont want to ask from you an answer, but i would ask you, why are the rest of the nato countries conceded . It is important to stay in this treaty. Decides toe country withdraw from this treaty . Moreover, i would like to refresh your memory saying that we have a special open skies consultant if commission where it is forcible for problems. We have also a lot of technical consult regarding the implementation whether the United States, its obligations and commitments under this treaty. And i would like to raise a question, maybe to myself, not to you, not to the u. S. , what kind of steps should we take after withdrawal of the u. S. From this treaty. , whenow that this treaty it was asked to fly over European Countries as well as now therend canada, will be no possibility for us to see what is going on in the territory of the u. S. What kind ofand joint communication line between countries and frankly, i am hesitating that nobody will given from itson own place regarding situations in the territory of the Russian Federation using flights under the provisions of this treaty. Thatld like to say to you it is a very serious step made by the u. S. And i am sure that the minister of france and other agencies that are concerned will take the theer steps to protect and protect the initial interests. I can see that, jacob. I am consumed by this. I consider it very counterproductive. I would like to remind you of one japanese proverb. Church. Sy to destroy a it is only one day. But to construct another one, it will take three years. There was a situation where the jcpoa, iith the consider it very important to respect achievements by our to keep them alive and to try to find a solution for problems of the u. S. Apply towould like to the u. S. Authorities to remove its decision and to support our agreements. Eep thank you. Grander have an even question about grand strategy from someone who was a close observer of russia and happens to be the chairman of the board of the center for national interests. He asks, you mentioned both china and mr. Putins article in the national interest. Mr. Putin mentioned that g5 will meet soon. Nuclear arms control may be an important topic. What are the realistic chances that china will finally join a discussion with the u. S. And russia on armscontrol in general and hypersonic missiles in particular . Mr. Antonov it is not fair from your side. You can mention at least three questions and i dont know how to read because all of the elements of your question are very important, both elements. Initiative factor introduced by mr. Putin and of course, the future talks of armscontrol. Trilateralteral armscontrol. Ng i will start from the simple point, maybe more easier to understand. It is the proposal from Vladimir Putin on the meeting of the five governing minute five governing members of the council. We have updated the proposals on our agenda. They include key issues affecting global politics, security, and economy. The meeting is not yet determined. We think it is important to reach an agreement on the substantial content before we move forward to organization details. Jacob, it is important to understand that our intention is not just only focused on armscontrol issues during negotiation. See that we can see such meetings very seldom. It is a lot of pressing issues that our leaders have to discuss. , has to bel issues only one comprehensive agenda, this we are offering our friends to discuss because i am sure that china, the u. K. , and france have their own interests at the meeting. It is a really interesting issue regarding the chinese factor. The chinese factor is in the center of discussions between our delegations. To my regret, washington has the treaty hostage by insisting that its extension is conditional on the progress and socalled trilateral armscontrol initiation in china. The topic of socalled chinas threat was the central part of the u. S. Statement at the meeting. Famousyou remember the [indiscernible] it was the invitation to china to participate in the discussion. Americans pressed for our support for their idea of transforming the bilateral trilateral into a flora. The discussions made it clear that it should not be mistaken for intention to support the u. S. Plans. Moreover we are ready for any development of the situation. We are not going to safely maintain course, especially the ones that the americans insist on. It is very important to forrstand, we are open multilateral discussions on possible measures to provide predict ability and restraining Nuclear Missile fear. We see it is counterproductive to for someone to dissipate in such discussions. Natureigations of such must be conducted on the business of consensus and with regard to the legitimate issue legitimate interest of all parties. That is why we see the United States improves pressure on china in order to make it participate in Nuclear Arms Control and justify it. Itsa, as you know, priority to enrolling the u. K. And france in the dialogue. Why . Because they are Nuclear Weapons state, members of nato, and we are concerned what nato is doing in russian territory. By the way, i would like to give you a few figures. Has 320 nuclear warheads. I would like to emphasize, all nondeployed in january 2020 according to the pentagon. They are open. You can find it everywhere. And 48as around 90 icbms sld ms. Guysis question to those who want to invite china, whether the Russian Federation and the u. S. Are ready to decrease the quantity of warheads and missiles at the weel of china or whether want china to increase the quantity of missiles and warheads to the extent that the United States and russia have. Question andtricky we should be very cautious. Jacob, what we want from china, if anybody considers that china freezew will decide to its capabilities in Nuclear Missiles, it would be naive. China is thinking about necessary defensive capabilities to protect itself. . Hat can we offer we will dentist stop developing your capabilities we will insist. There are other countries that asia, india, pakistan and other countries who possess Nuclear Weapons. Why do we have to single out china . That is a serious question. It is crystale, clear. At this stage, china is not ready to join the u. S. And armscontrol. S in jacob, it seems to me that we have to respect such position. Russia will not stress china to joan to join our bilateral talks. That question may have been difficult. I am afraid i have an even trickier one from my colleague who goes into the arena of american politics. He asks, the u. S. Is dealing with a number of serious internal tensions. How does russia regard these problems . I would like to amplify his note that there is occasionally an american comparison to the United States to the stagnation or even the tensions that russia experienced in the 1990s. You have been here since 2017. What is your impression of America Today now that you have been here for several years . Has it changed during your stay as ambassador or have you not been surprised by the events that have taken place . Mr. Antonov of course i am shocked. I am shocked by what i see today in the u. S. Nobody predicted. I have to be very cautious. I am an ambassador for a foreign country. I dont want any journalist who is listening to me today blaming thatter my remarks, saying the ambassador wants to interfere into the internal life of the u. S. To implementtinue and fulfill my duties with the u. S. In washington. That is why i can see that what is going on in the u. S. Is a problem of the u. S. It is American People who have the right to meet any remarks about what is going on, how it will affect internal policy, how it will affect november event in your country. To bb, i respect him very much. I am surprised that he decided to invoke me in the discussion regarding internal situations in the u. S. I hope he will not be offended if i stop here regarding remarks on what is going on in the u. S. At least i would like to convey this message to all listening to tothat i would like you recover from the situation as soon as possible. We are very much interested to country. S. Prosperous we are dependent. To create anyle. Sland of safety in another part of the world, it is possible to live in another world. So i wish you good luck. I wish you prosperity and i ld like jacob lets move to the foreign. Olicy spear sphere a similar question. What is the overall state of u. S. Russian relations . Is it in fact in a catastrophic situation right now or do you feel that there are glimmers for optimism in relations between the two countries . Mr. Antonov thank you very much for your understanding that i prefer to speak about foreign policy. Course, you will see that i am in washington. At the same time, to promote and facilitate russianamerican relations. There is some positive. Our dialogue on the highest levels. In compliance with the president , our countries help each other with medical supplies and combating the pandemic. Maybe you are aware that in the , there was a decision by the Russian Federation to assist the u. S. To fight against this disease. Recently the u. S. President decided to send us 200 ventilators. We appreciate this gesture from and from the american president and the American People. Donee way, everything was free of charge. It is toont to important to understate. Our Energy Markets and our president discussed this issue during their phone conversation. Minister and chief of staff is also developing we look forward to resuming the consultations between the Security Council and it is very important. Am hereou said i already for three years that i failed to establish contacts with congress. Restorefavor to contacts between our legislative bodies. Of course, we cannot avoid differences. With littletinuing contact on the highest level prevents u. S. Russian relations defense secretary mark esper and general mark milley are preparing to testify on Defense Department authorities related to civilian law enforcement. This is live coverage. They must be visible on screen within the Software Platform for the purposes