Nuclear Standoff: Russia and US Navigate a Post-Treaty World
Russia will continue to abide by the limits set in the New START treaty, even after its expiration, but only if the United States does the same. This announcement, made by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, marks a critical moment in nuclear arms control, as the treaty represented the last remaining limit between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.
The Expiration of New START and the Current Impasse
The New START treaty, which capped each side at 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads, expired earlier this month without a response from Washington to a Russian proposal for a one-year extension. President Vladimir Putin had offered to continue adhering to the treaty’s limits, but this relies on reciprocal action from the US. Lavrov emphasized that Moscow’s “moratorium” on developing and deploying more weapons is contingent on the US remaining within the established limits.
Shifting Dynamics and the Inclusion of China
Both Russia and the United States have expressed a desire to negotiate a new arms control agreement. But, significant hurdles remain. Washington insists that any future agreement must include China, citing its growing nuclear arsenal. Moscow counters that if China is to be included, then the nuclear allies of the United States – Britain and France – should also be part of the discussions.
A World Without Limits: Risks and Concerns
The expiration of New START is the first time in decades that there is no treaty restricting the deployment of the world’s most destructive weapons. This has sparked fears of a renewed arms race, a prospect that both sides claim to aim for to avoid. The lack of transparency and verification mechanisms inherent in a treaty-free environment raises the risk of miscalculation, and escalation.
Historical Context: Past Disagreements and Inspections
Tensions between the US and Russia have been escalating for some time, impacting arms control efforts. In 2023, Russia rejected inspections of its nuclear sites under the treaty, a move that further strained relations. Despite this, Russia maintained that it remained committed to the quantitative limits set by New START.
Trump’s Perspective and Past Criticism
U.S. President Donald Trump has previously characterized New START as “badly negotiated” and claimed it was being “grossly violated.” This sentiment underscores the challenges in reaching a consensus on a new agreement, given differing perspectives on the treaty’s effectiveness and fairness.
FAQ: Navigating the New Nuclear Landscape
Q: What is New START?
A: The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty was a treaty between the United States and Russia that limited the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and launchers each country could possess.
Q: What happens now that New START has expired?
A: Currently, Russia says it will abide by the treaty’s limits if the US does the same. Without a formal agreement, there are no legally binding restrictions on either country’s nuclear arsenal.
Q: Why is China’s inclusion in arms control talks a sticking point?
A: The US argues that China’s rapidly growing nuclear arsenal must be addressed in any new agreement. Russia believes that if China is included, the US’s nuclear allies should also be involved.
Q: What are the risks of a world without nuclear arms control treaties?
A: The primary risk is an unconstrained arms race, increased mistrust, and a higher potential for miscalculation and escalation.
Did you know? The expiration of New START marks the first time since 1987 that the US and Russia are not operating under a bilateral treaty limiting strategic nuclear weapons.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about developments in nuclear arms control by following reputable news sources and think tanks specializing in international security.
Explore more articles on international relations and security on The Moscow Times. Read more here.
