The New START treaty between Russia and the United States has expired, ending the last remaining limits on their strategic nuclear arsenals. The treaty capped deployed missiles, launchers and warheads, shaping global nuclear arms control for decades.
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed extending key treaty provisions for one year. US President Donald Trump did not issue a formal response, with the White House stating future nuclear arms control policy will be announced later.
Security analysts warn the expiry may accelerate nuclear competition, particularly amid China’s nuclear expansion.
Key developments:
• The treaty previously limited each country to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads.
• China is estimated to possess around 600 nuclear warheads, compared with more than 5,000 each in total stockpiles held by Russia and the United States.
• The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned nuclear risk is at its highest level in decades.
• Experts caution reduced transparency may heighten escalation risks, particularly with emerging technologies.
ℹ️ Reuters
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