Russia Awaits U.S. Response on Nuclear Arms Treaty Extension

As the expiration date of the New START treaty approaches on February 5, 2026, Russia is awaiting a response from the United States regarding President Vladimir Putin's proposal to informally extend the treaty's provisions for an additional year. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that the treaty's lapse could create a significant gap in the legal framework governing nuclear arms. The New START treaty, originally signed in 2010 by Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, limits each country to 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads and caps the number of deployed launchers at 700.

Kremlin Says It Is Still Waiting for U.S. Response to Putin's Nuclear Treaty OfferKremlin says it is still waiting for U.S. response to Putin's nuclear treaty offerKey US-Russia nuclear pact difficult to replace – Kremlin

Peskov has articulated that allowing the New START treaty to expire would not only undermine global stability but also serve neither Russian nor U.S. interests. He noted that negotiating a replacement treaty would be a complex and time-consuming process. The New START treaty remains the last legally binding agreement preventing a return to a Cold War-style arms race between the two nuclear powers.

Key US-Russia nuclear pact difficult to replace – Kremlin

In September 2025, President Putin proposed that Russia would continue to adhere to the treaty's central numerical limits for one year after its expiration, contingent upon a similar commitment from the U.S. This proposal reflects ongoing concerns about the potential consequences of a treaty lapse. In contrast, former U.S. President Donald Trump previously suggested that the U.S. could allow the treaty to expire in favor of negotiating a "better" deal, indicating a willingness to reassess the existing framework. Trump has also expressed the importance of including China in future nuclear negotiations, although China has rejected such proposals, asserting that the responsibility for nuclear disarmament lies primarily with countries possessing the largest arsenals.

Key US-Russia nuclear pact difficult to replace – KremlinKremlin Says It Is Still Waiting for U.S. Response to Putin's Nuclear Treaty OfferKremlin says it is still waiting for U.S. response to Putin's nuclear treaty offer

Critics of the current situation argue that the lack of a timely response from the U.S. could exacerbate tensions and lead to an arms race. The absence of a clear commitment from the U.S. government raises concerns about the future of nuclear arms control and the potential for increased instability in international relations.

Key US-Russia nuclear pact difficult to replace – Kremlin

Peskov reiterated Moscow's consistent position, stating, "We continue to wait, but the deadline is close. There has been no response from the United States." He cautioned that the complexities of negotiating a new treaty could lead to a "serious deficit" in the legal framework governing nuclear arms.

Key US-Russia nuclear pact difficult to replace – Kremlin

As the February 5 deadline approaches, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with expectations for a potential response from the U.S. that could shape the future of nuclear arms control between the two nations. The outcome of this negotiation will have significant implications for global security and stability.

Key US-Russia nuclear pact difficult to replace – Kremlin