Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow is prepared to continue observing the restrictions under the New START Treaty for another year after its expiry on February 5, 2026. The announcement comes at a time of heightened global scrutiny over nuclear arms control and strategic stability.
Putin stressed that Russia is not interested in escalating tensions or triggering a new arms race. However, he noted that the system of Russian-American relations in the field of arms control has been “destroyed,” pointing to what he described as the destructive actions of the West. According to him, these actions have significantly undermined the foundation of interaction between nuclear powers.
The Russian president also asserted that the country remains capable of responding to any threats, not merely with rhetoric, but with “military-technical measures.” The New START Treaty, signed in 2010, is the last remaining arms reduction agreement between the United States and Russia, limiting deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems.
Putin’s statement indicates that while Russia will continue to adhere to treaty obligations in the near term, the long-term future of nuclear arms control remains uncertain without broader dialogue between Moscow and Washington.
