The New START treaty, signed in 2011 and extended once in 2021, limited each side to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads. With no new deal in place, there are now no legal restrictions on U.S. or Russian strategic nuclear weapons for the first time in over 50 years.
“This is a serious moment for international peace and security,” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said Wednesday, urging both nations to urgently return to negotiations. “The risk of nuclear weapon use is higher than at any time in decades.”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it no longer considers itself bound by New START but stated it remains “open to diplomatic efforts,” according to a statement cited by Reuters.
Together, the U.S. and Russia possess about 85% of the world’s nuclear warheads, with Russia holding 5,459 and the U.S. 5,177, according to the Federation of American Scientists.
The treaty’s lapse comes amid deepening mistrust and rising tensions. During his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a more aggressive nuclear posture, accusing Russia and China of conducting covert tests and ordering the Pentagon to prepare for renewed American testing. No such tests have been confirmed to date.
While the risk of full-scale global nuclear war remains low, analysts warn the absence of arms control could spark a new nuclear buildup. The U.S. views China’s expanding arsenal — now estimated at around 600 warheads — as a growing challenge, with projections suggesting it could surpass 1,000 by 2030.
Moscow, meanwhile, continues to develop new delivery systems including hypersonic missiles and next-generation intercontinental ballistic missiles like the Kedr. Other projects such as the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone also remain in development.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would consider upholding treaty limits for another year if the U.S. did the same. However, he noted that any future agreement should include not only China but also Britain and France.
“This will be a difficult task,” Peskov said.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov added that Moscow is prepared to live in a world without nuclear arms control agreements. Analysts at the East Flank Institute warned that Russia’s increasing reliance on nuclear capabilities—amid the degradation of its conventional forces—lowers the threshold for potential use in conflict scenarios.
Despite ongoing global concerns, no negotiations to replace the New START treaty have been announced.
(jh)
Source: Polish Radio