Capitals, Feb.05 (SANA) The New START treaty, the last remaining agreement limiting strategic nuclear weapons between Russia and the United States, expired on Thursday, ending 15 years of formal nuclear arms control between the world’s two largest nuclear powers amid rising political tensions and the absence of any alternative frameworks.
Signed in 2010 and in force since 2011, the treaty capped deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems and was a cornerstone of global strategic stability. Its five-year extension in 2021 was the final renewal permitted under its terms, making its expiration definitive.
Russia said on Wednesday it was no longer bound by the treaty’s obligations or verification mechanisms, while stressing it would continue to act “wisely and responsibly” in the nuclear sphere. President Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping in a phone call that Moscow remained open to new negotiations to ensure strategic stability, adding in earlier remarks that Russia’s national security remained guaranteed even without legal constraints.
The United States has offered limited public comment. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he had no announcement at present and indicated that President Donald Trump would address the issue later. Rubio said any future arms control arrangements should include China, citing the rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal. Trump said his recent phone call with Xi was “long, comprehensive and very good,” without elaborating on whether nuclear arms were discussed.
Although the treaty expired formally on Thursday, its effectiveness had already diminished since 2023, when inspections and verification measures were suspended due to the war in Ukraine and deteriorating U.S.-Russia relations. Under New START, each side was limited to 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads and 800 launchers and heavy bombers, supported by a mutual inspection regime.
The treaty’s expiration has drawn international concern, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning of increased risks to global peace and security and calling for renewed negotiations. Germany and France voiced concern, while anti-nuclear groups warned that the absence of limits could accelerate a new arms race involving other nuclear powers.
