Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Moscow is ready to extend the New START arms control treaty for one year, provided that U.S. President Donald Trump agrees to do the same.
The Treaty at Stake
The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads as well as the deployment of land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and heavy bombers by both the United States and Russia. The current deal is set to expire on February 5, 2026.
With just over four months left before the deadline, talks between Washington and Moscow have stalled due to disagreements over the war in Ukraine. Trump has previously expressed interest in negotiating a new arms control deal, one that could also include China.
Putin’s Offer
Speaking to Russia’s Security Council, Putin stressed that Moscow is acting in the interest of global nuclear risk prevention and is ready to extend the treaty on the condition that the U.S. follows suit.
“Russia is ready to continue adhering to the core numerical limits under the New START Treaty for one year after February 5, 2026,” Putin stated.
He added:
“After that, based on an assessment of the situation, we will decide whether to continue these self-imposed voluntary restrictions. We believe this measure will only be sustainable if the United States acts in a similar manner and refrains from steps that undermine the existing balance of deterrence.”
A Fragile Balance
The announcement comes at a critical time as global nuclear security remains one of the most pressing issues in international relations. Analysts warn that without an extension, the collapse of the treaty could spark a new arms race between the two largest nuclear powers.
