❓WHAT HAPPENED: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) nuclear arms control deal by one year if the United States reciprocates.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald J. Trump.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Putin made the statement during a Security Council meeting in Moscow on Monday.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START treaty for one year after February 5, 2026,” said Putin.
🎯IMPACT: The proposal could open the door for dialogue on the treaty’s future, though tensions over Ukraine complicate negotiations.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his country’s willingness to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) arms control deal with the United States for one year, provided that the U.S. reciprocates. This treaty, which limits the number of nuclear warheads and delivery systems each country can deploy, is set to expire on February 5, 2026.
In remarks made during a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin emphasized the importance of global non-proliferation and signaled that extending the treaty could facilitate dialogue with Washington regarding its successor. He stated, “Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START treaty for one year after February 5, 2026.”
However, Putin also made it clear that this measure would only be viable if the United States refrains from actions that undermine the existing balance of deterrence capabilities. “We believe that this measure will only be viable if the United States acts in a similar manner and does not take steps that undermine or violate the existing balance of deterrence capabilities,” he remarked.
The New START treaty, originally signed in 2010, is the last remaining arms control agreement between the two nations. Despite U.S. President Donald J. Trump expressing interest in pursuing a broader nuclear arms control deal that includes China, no formal discussions have taken place amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine.
With just over four months remaining before the treaty’s expiration, the future of arms control between the United States and Russia remains uncertain. The extension proposal could provide a temporary solution, but significant hurdles remain for any long-term agreement.
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