On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a nuclear arms control agreement to U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting a one-year extension of the last treaty that limits their nuclear arsenals while discussions on future agreements take place.
Russia and the United States hold the largest nuclear stockpiles globally. The last existing treaty controlling these arms is set to expire on February 5 of the following year.
The New START treaty regulates strategic nuclear weapons, which are meant to target military, economic, and political centers, capping deployed warheads at 1,550 per country. Without an extension or new treaty, both nations risk exceeding this limit.
PUTIN FACES PRESSURE OVER UKRAINE CONFLICT
Putin, who argued that his proposal supports global non-proliferation and could initiate arms control talks with Washington, faces pressure from Trump to resolve the Ukraine conflict, a key issue escalating East-West tensions to levels unseen since the Cold War.
Putin announced the offer during a Security Council meeting, coinciding with Ukraine’s push for Trump to enforce stricter sanctions on Russia.
“Russia is ready to uphold the New START Treaty’s central limits for one year post-February 5, 2026,” Putin stated.
“Following a situation assessment, we will decide on maintaining these voluntary restrictions.
“This step is contingent upon the U.S. refraining from actions that disrupt or violate the current balance of deterrence.”
This proposal marks a shift in Moscow’s stance, which previously required improved overall relations with Washington, strained by Ukraine conflict disagreements, for such engagement.
Washington has yet to respond.
TALKS ON TREATY RENEGOTIATION UNSTARTED
With the New START treaty’s expiration looming in just over four months, the Ukraine dispute has stalled Russia-U.S. talks on renewing or revamping the treaty. Trump has expressed interest in a new deal, potentially involving China.
China has dismissed its inclusion in such discussions.
Putin stated Russia would closely monitor U.S. nuclear and defense activities, focusing on missile defense enhancements and space-based missile interceptors.
“We presume that executing such destabilizing actions could nullify our START status quo efforts,” Putin warned. “We will respond as necessary.”
