Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Moscow will continue to follow nuclear weapons boundaries for the next one year even after the end of its nuclear treaty with the US. New Start Treaty is the final active weapon control agreement between the two countries. Addressing the Russian Security Council, Putin warned that ending the agreement could damage global stability. He further said that Russia hopes that Washington will do the same and respect the boundaries of the treaty.
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What is the treaty about?
The New Start Treaty signed by the United States and Russia in 2010 is the final active weapon control agreement between both nuclear powers. It came into effect in February 2011 and was extended to 2021 till 5 February 2026. The purpose of this agreement was to reduce and limit strategic aggressive weapons, ensuring stability and durability in nuclear relations between Washington and Moscow. Both sides cannot deploy more than 1,550 strategic nuclear weapons. The intercontinental ballistic missiles deployed in the treaty are limited to 700 to 700, while the joint number of deployed and non-tanat launches is limited to 700. These restrictions are supported by detailed verification measures such as inspection, regular data exchange and notifications, which provide transparency and build mutual beliefs.
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Currently the remaining arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow is the remaining arms control agreement that imposes binding numerical limitations on strategic nuclear weapons and related distribution systems. It plays a central role in maintaining strategic stability, providing forecasting and reducing the risks of nuclear growth. Despite these security measures, the implementation is facing challenges. In February 2023, Russia suspended its participation in inspection and reporting, although it said it would continue to respect numerical boundaries. Analysts have warned that if the treaty ends without any replacement in February 2026, the world’s two largest nuclear powers will live on their arsenal for the first time in the decades without any legally binding ban on their arsenal. They argue that such a result can increase nuclear risk, increase mistrust and weaken global stability.