The United States and Russia are risking the launch of an uncontrolled nuclear arms race for the first time since the Cold War if the current strategic arms control treaty, New START (START-3), is not extended by February 5, Reuters reports.
Source: Gazeta.UA
If New START expires, limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals of the United States and Russia would disappear for the first time since 1972. Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed extending the treaty for another year, but Washington has not yet given an official response.
U.S. President Donald Trump has previously stated that the agreement would lose its meaning if it is not replaced with a “better deal.” He has also emphasized plans to modernize and possibly expand the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
The New START treaty, signed in 2010, limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550 on each side. At the same time, Russia is developing new weapons systems — the Burevestnik cruise missile, the Oreshnik hypersonic system, and the Poseidon torpedo — which are not covered by the treaty.
Experts also point to China, whose nuclear arsenal, according to estimates, could grow to 1,000 warheads by 2030. Beijing is not a party to any agreements between the United States and Russia, increasing the risk of a three-way arms race.
In the U.S. Congress, lawmakers believe the country must be prepared to deter both Russia and China simultaneously. At the same time, increasing the number of warheads would require significant financial resources — modernization of the U.S. nuclear arsenal could cost about $1 trillion by 2034.
Some former U.S. officials warn against trusting Moscow, recalling that since 2023 Russia has suspended mutual inspections under New START, citing U.S. support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated that Moscow is ready for any scenario and will deliver a “swift and decisive response” if new threats emerge.