Background on the Nuclear Arms Treaty Between US and Russia
The New START treaty, signed in 2010 between the United States and Russia, has been a cornerstone of nuclear arms control for over a decade. This agreement limited each country’s deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550—a nearly 30% reduction from the previous limit set in 2002. Furthermore, it allowed for on-site inspections of each nation’s nuclear arsenal by the other party.
The Expiration of New START and its Global Impact
On Thursday at midnight GMT, the New START treaty officially expired, releasing both Russia and the United States from decades-long restrictions on their nuclear arsenals. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described this moment as “a grave situation for international peace and security,” emphasizing that the world now faces a scenario without legally binding limits on strategic nuclear arsenals of the two superpowers for the first time in over half a century.
Guterres’ Call for Immediate Action
In a statement, Guterres urged Washington and Moscow to swiftly negotiate a successor framework, asserting that the dissolution of decades of arms control achievements “could not come at a worse time.” He highlighted the heightened risk of nuclear weapon use, stating that “the likelihood of a nuclear weapon being used is higher than it has been in decades.”
The Significance of US-Russia Nuclear Arsenals
Together, the United States and Russia control more than 80% of the world’s nuclear warheads. However, arms control agreements have been gradually weakening over time. The suspension of inspections in 2023 further diminished transparency and accountability regarding each nation’s adherence to the treaty.
Putin’s Proposal and Lack of Follow-Through
In September 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed extending the New START terms by one year to the United States. Then-US President Donald Trump reportedly considered this a “good idea,” but no action was taken by the United States.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the New START treaty? The New START (New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) is a nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, signed in 2010. It limited each country’s deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550 and allowed for on-site inspections of each nation’s nuclear arsenal.
- Why is the expiration of New START significant? The expiration of New START marks the first time in over half a century that there are no legally binding limits on strategic nuclear arsenals of the two superpowers, raising concerns about increased risks of nuclear weapon use.
- What role does António Guterres play in this situation? As the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres has called for the United States and Russia to swiftly negotiate a successor framework to the New START treaty, emphasizing the gravity of the current situation for international peace and security.
- What was Putin’s proposal regarding the New START extension? In September 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed extending the New START terms by one year to the United States. However, the US did not follow through on this proposal.
