What's happened
The New START treaty, which limited US and Russian nuclear arsenals, expired on Thursday. Both nations are now free to increase their stockpiles, raising fears of a renewed arms race amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Efforts to negotiate a new deal are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached.
What's behind the headline?
The expiration of New START marks a significant shift in nuclear diplomacy, removing formal limits on US and Russian arsenals for the first time in over five decades. This increases the risk of an arms race, especially with China modernizing its nuclear forces rapidly. While some constraints remain, such as notification agreements, the lack of binding caps heightens global instability. The move reflects deteriorating trust and a potential escalation in geopolitical tensions, with the possibility of a new Cold War scenario. The absence of a treaty also complicates verification and transparency efforts, making future arms control negotiations more urgent but more difficult.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights the potential for a renewed arms race and the efforts by both the US and Russia to salvage some form of agreement, with US President Donald Trump proposing a new, broader treaty that includes China. Al Jazeera emphasizes the formal end of the treaty and Russia's disappointment, noting that Moscow remains open to dialogue despite the US's lack of response. The Moscow Times underscores the historical significance of the treaty's expiration, warning of increased nuclear stockpiles and the failure of major powers to meet their obligations. Reuters provides a detailed account of the logistical and strategic implications, stressing that without the treaty, both nations could double their arsenals, and notes Trump's call for a better deal involving China. Overall, the coverage reflects a consensus that the end of New START risks a dangerous escalation, with some voices urging renewed diplomacy.
How we got here
The New START treaty, signed in 2010, was the last major bilateral arms control agreement between the US and Russia, capping deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems. It was extended in 2021 but expired on February 4, 2026. Russia suspended participation in 2023, citing Western support for Ukraine, while the US has expressed interest in a broader, possibly multilateral, arms control framework.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Are the Global Security and Regional Development Impacts of Recent News?
Recent headlines highlight significant shifts in international security and regional development. From the end of a major US-Russia nuclear treaty to Norway's investigation into a former leader over Epstein links, these stories raise important questions about global stability, regional growth, and political accountability. Below, we explore the key questions and what they mean for the world today.
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What Are the Consequences of the US and Russia Ending the Nuclear Arms Treaty?
The expiration of the New START treaty marks a significant shift in global security dynamics. With the US and Russia free to increase their nuclear arsenals, many are asking what this means for international stability. Will this lead to a new arms race? How are negotiations shaping future agreements? Explore these questions and more to understand the potential impact on global peace efforts.
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