Background and Relevance of the Treaty
The New START treaty, signed in 2010 between Russia and the United States, has now expired on February 4, marking a significant shift in nuclear arms control since the Cold War era. This treaty imposed restrictions on both countries’ nuclear arsenals, limiting each side to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads—a nearly 30% reduction from the previous limit set in 2002.
Russia and the United States collectively control over 80% of the world’s nuclear warheads. However, arms control agreements have been gradually weakening over time.
United Nations Secretary-General’s Warning
Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, described this expiration as a “serious moment for international peace and security.” He urged both nations to “return to the negotiation table without delay and agree on a successor framework.”
Guterres emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that “the risk of nuclear weapons use is at its highest in decades.” He expressed concern that dissolving decades of progress could not come at a worse time.
Nuclear Arsenals and Ongoing Negotiations
With the New START treaty’s expiration, Russia and the United States are no longer bound by these restrictions. The treaty also allowed for on-site inspections of each other’s nuclear arsenals, though these were suspended in 2023.
Ukrainian Negotiations Amidst War
Meanwhile, Ukraine described the first day of its second round of direct negotiations with Russia in Abu Dhabi, mediated by the United States, as “productive.” The goal is to find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing war.
From Paris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that approximately 55,000 Ukrainian military personnel have died since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. He also mentioned a “large number” of missing individuals.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the New START treaty? The New START treaty, signed in 2010 between Russia and the United States, limited each country’s deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550—a nearly 30% reduction from the previous limit set in 2002. It also allowed for on-site inspections of each other’s nuclear arsenals.
- Why is the treaty’s expiration significant? The expiration of the New START treaty marks a shift in nuclear arms control since the Cold War. With no restrictions on nuclear arsenals, the risk of nuclear weapons use is at its highest in decades, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
- What are the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine? Direct negotiations are taking place in Abu Dabi, mediated by the United States. The goal is to find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
- How many casualties has the war caused in Ukraine? According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, approximately 55,000 Ukrainian military personnel have died since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. He also mentioned a “large number” of missing individuals.
