Russia Warns World as Nuclear Arms Treaty Nears Expiry

Post by : Saif Nasser

Russia has warned that the possible expiry of the New START nuclear arms control treaty should deeply concern the world. Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said the end of the agreement would remove limits on the nuclear arsenals of the world’s two largest nuclear powers for the first time in more than 50 years.

The New START treaty was signed in 2010 by the United States and Russia. It set strict limits on the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads each country could have, capping them at 1,550. The agreement also allowed inspections and verification, helping both sides understand each other’s military intentions.

The treaty is set to expire on February 5. Russian officials say they have not received a clear response from Washington on a proposal by President Vladimir Putin to extend the existing limits for another year. Without a replacement agreement, there would be no formal restrictions on U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons.

Medvedev said that while the treaty’s expiry does not mean a nuclear war will start immediately, it is still a serious warning sign. He said the lack of agreements increases global uncertainty and weakens trust between major powers. According to him, arms control treaties are not only about numbers but also about building confidence and preventing misunderstandings.

For decades, nuclear arms agreements played a key role in reducing the risk of conflict between Moscow and Washington. Medvedev noted that for most of his life, there had always been some form of arms control talks or agreements in place. The absence of such frameworks, he said, signals that trust has broken down.

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he is willing to let the treaty expire, saying that a new and better agreement could be negotiated later. However, critics worry that allowing the treaty to lapse without a replacement could increase tensions and encourage an arms race.

Russia suspended its participation in the treaty in 2023, citing U.S. military support for Ukraine. Even so, both sides continued to observe the limits in practice. If the treaty expires fully, that informal restraint may no longer hold.

As global tensions rise and old security frameworks weaken, experts warn that the end of New START could mark a dangerous turning point. Without clear rules and communication, the risk of miscalculation between nuclear powers grows, making arms control a key issue for global stability.