Moscow: Putin Offers Extension on Nuclear Treaty with U.S.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended a proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting a one-year extension of the New START treaty, which regulates the nuclear arsenals of both nations. This offer comes as the treaty is set to expire on February 5.
The New START treaty limits each country to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads, and without this agreement, both Russia and the United States risk exceeding these limits. The treaty is crucial as these two countries hold the largest nuclear stockpiles in the world.
Pressure Mounts Over Ukraine Conflict
Putin emphasized that this extension aims to promote global stability and encourage further discussions on nuclear arms control. Recently, he has faced increasing pressure from Trump to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has heightened tensions between East and West to levels not seen since the Cold War.
Putin made this announcement during a meeting with his Security Council while Ukraine seeks stronger sanctions against Russia from the U.S. He stated, “Russia is ready to continue following the New START treaty’s limits for one year after February 5, 2026.” He added that any future decisions would depend on how the situation evolves.
Putin noted that this approach would only work if the U.S. also refrains from actions that could disrupt the current balance of military capabilities.
Ongoing Tensions Affecting Discussions
Despite this overture, talks about renewing or altering the treaty have yet to begin due to ongoing disagreements over Ukraine. Trump has indicated he would like to pursue a new nuclear arms control agreement that also includes China, though Beijing has rejected such an idea.
Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association, described Putin’s offer as a “positive and welcome move.” He urged Washington to respond favorably, suggesting that both leaders could take significant steps in reducing global security threats.
Putin also stated that Russia would keep a close eye on U.S. nuclear activities, particularly regarding missile defense enhancements and proposals for space-based interceptors. He warned that any destabilizing actions would undermine efforts to maintain the current balance in nuclear arms.
Senior Russian senator Konstantin Kosachyov remarked that Putin’s proposal sends a clear invitation to the U.S. for talks on a potential new arms control agreement. He expressed hope that the U.S. would understand this message correctly.
