Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump a nuclear arms control deal on Monday. This proposal would extend the last treaty limiting both countries’ nuclear weapons by one year while Moscow and Washington discuss future steps.
Russia and the United States possess the largest nuclear arsenals globally. The last remaining treaty between them, which limits the number of these weapons, is set to expire on February 5 next year.
The New START treaty covers strategic nuclear weapons, those designed to target the enemy’s military, economic, and political hubs, capping the number of deployed warheads at 1,550 for each side. Both are likely to exceed this limit if the treaty is not extended or replaced.
PUTIN UNDER PRESSURE TO END UKRAINE WAR
Putin, who stated his proposal serves global non-proliferation interests and could encourage dialogue with Washington about arms control, is under pressure from Trump to agree to end the war in Ukraine. Moscow considers this part of numerous security issues escalating East-West tensions to their most dangerous level since the Cold War.
The offer, made as Ukraine is urging Trump to impose harsher sanctions on Russia, was announced by Putin at a Security Council meeting.
“Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START Treaty for one year after February 5, 2026,” said the Russian president.
“Subsequently, based on an analysis of the situation, we will decide whether to maintain these voluntary self-imposed restrictions.
“We believe that this measure will only be viable if the United States acts similarly and does not take steps that undermine or violate the existing balance of deterrence capabilities.”
The proposal appears to be a unilateral policy change by Moscow, which had insisted on engaging with Washington on such matters only if overall ties improved, hindered by stark differences over the Ukraine war.
There was no immediate response from Washington.
TALKS ON OVERHAULING TREATY YET TO START
With just over four months remaining before the New START expires, differences over Ukraine mean Russia and the United States have not started talks on renewing or overhauling the treaty. Trump has expressed his desire for a new nuclear arms control deal, including China.
Beijing has rejected the idea of inclusion.
Putin said Russia would monitor U.S. nuclear arms and defense activities, particularly Washington’s plans to enhance its missile defenses and deploy missile interceptors in space.
“We will proceed on the basis that the practical implementation of such destabilizing actions could nullify our efforts to maintain the status quo in the field of START,” said Putin. “We will respond accordingly.”
