Putin Offers Extension of Nuclear Arms Treaty with U.S.

MOSCOW, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday that he is willing to voluntarily maintain the limits on deployed strategic nuclear weapons as outlined in the 2010 New START accord for an additional year after it expires on February 5, 2026. This offer is contingent upon a similar commitment from the United States.

Putin made this proposal during a meeting with his Security Council, emphasizing that both nations should adhere to the treaty to prevent destabilization of global security. He stated, “Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START Treaty for one year after February 5, 2026.” Putin stressed that a reciprocal agreement from the U.S. would be necessary for this measure to hold.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to Putin’s offer, noting that it sounded “pretty good” but indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump would address the proposition himself. The New START treaty is the last remaining U.S.-Russia arms control agreement, which limits each country to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 delivery vehicles.

Many experts fear that allowing the treaty to expire could spark a new arms race, increasing the potential for tensions as both nations boost their strategic military deployments. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, remarked that Putin’s offer is “a positive and welcome move” and called on Washington to reciprocate.

Putin’s proposal comes amid growing concerns about ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and tensions between NATO and Russia. Russia suspended inspections under the New START treaty in August 2022 as relations soured following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier that year.

He added that Russia will closely monitor U.S. nuclear weapons activities, particularly any proposed developments that could disrupt the balance of military capabilities. “The practical implementation of such destabilizing actions could nullify our efforts to maintain the status quo in the field of START,” Putin warned.

Putin’s remarks signal a potential shift in Russia’s approach, previously insisting that it would only engage in arms control discussions contingent on improved relations with the U.S. His willingness to negotiate now raises questions about the future of arms control dialogues.