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Russia Warns of Arms Race as New START Expires

2/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Russia warns of a 'dangerous' world as the New START treaty expires, which is the last United States nuclear arms control pact.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned Moscow would take military measures if the United States deploys weapons in Greenland.
The lapse could trigger an arms race, with Russia and the United States holding about 90% of the world's nuclear warheads.

History

Historical Context

The expiration of the New START treaty in 2023 revives Cold War-era tensions reminiscent of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, when the U.S. and Soviet Union held around 70,000 nuclear warheads. Today, these nations possess approximately 90% of the world's nuclear arsenal, raising concerns about a potential arms race and global security instability, particularly following Russia's suspension of treaty participation in February 2023.

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Story summary

Russia warns of a 'dangerous' world as the New START treaty expires, which is the last United States nuclear arms control pact.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned Moscow would take military measures if the United States deploys weapons in Greenland.
The lapse could trigger an arms race, with Russia and the United States holding about 90% of the world's nuclear warheads.

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