The US Welcomes Russia’s Proposal to Extend Expiring Nuclear Pact for One Year

Russian President Vladimir putin announced on Monday that he is willing to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with the United States for an additional year, provided US President Donald Trump agrees. The proposed extension aims to maintain stability in the nuclear balance while allowing time for potential negotiations on a successor agreement.

The 2010 New START Treaty is currently the last remaining arms control agreement between the two nuclear powers. It limits the number of strategic warheads that can be carried by missiles and bombers, as well as the total number of deployed delivery systems. The treaty is set to expire on February 5, 2026.

Addressing the Russian Security Council, Putin emphasized that extending the pact would support international non-proliferation efforts and create a platform for discussions with Washington regarding a potential replacement. “Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START Treaty for one year after 5 February 2026,” he stated.

He added, “After that, we will decide whether to maintain these self-imposed, voluntary limitations based on a situational assessment. This measure will only be effective if the United States reciprocates and refrains from any actions that could undermine the current balance of nuclear deterrence.”

The White House Responds to Russia’s Offer

The White House described Moscow’s proposal to extend the final arms control deal limiting US and Russian nuclear arsenals for another year as “sounds pretty good.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters that President Trump has been briefed on the plan and intends to make official remarks on the matter soon.

Limitations on Bombers, Missiles, and Nuclear Warheads

The New START agreement was signed in 2010 by then-Presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama. Under the treaty, each country is allowed to deploy a maximum of 1,550 nuclear warheads and 700 strategic delivery systems, including missiles and bombers, according to the Associated Press.

To ensure compliance, the treaty initially included comprehensive on-site inspections. However, inspections have been suspended since 2020. In February 2023, President Putin halted Russia’s participation, citing concerns that US inspections were incompatible with Washington and NATO’s public stance against Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.

Despite suspending active participation, Russia has emphasized that it is not abandoning the treaty entirely and will continue to adhere to the nuclear arsenal limitations outlined in the agreement. So far, Moscow and Washington have not started formal talks to renew or replace the New START pact. One key obstacle to dialogue remains Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Nevertheless, President Trump has expressed interest in negotiating a new arms control deal, potentially including china as a participant.