Dmitry Medvedev is now deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council amid Ukraine and global tensions. Former president and PM of Russia.
The New START treaty, which limited US and Russian nuclear arsenals, expired on February 5, 2026, ending decades of arms control. Russia proposes a one-year extension; the US has yet to respond. Without the treaty, there are fears of a renewed arms race and increased global instability.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reports US-backed peace deadlines, but ongoing Russian strikes target energy infrastructure amid stalled negotiations. The US proposes a timeline for peace talks, with Kyiv demanding territorial integrity. Recent attacks have worsened winter hardships, complicating diplomatic efforts.
On February 5, 2026, the New START treaty between the US and Russia expired, ending over 50 years of nuclear arms limits between the two powers. Russia offered a one-year extension, but the US declined, seeking a new treaty including China, which refuses to join. Both sides remain committed to restraint, but the absence of formal limits raises fears of a renewed nuclear arms race.
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.
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and nuclear facilities, escalating regional tensions. Russia condemned the attack, warning of potential catastrophe and accusing the US and Israel of provoking uncontrolled escalation in the Middle East.
Recent US military actions, including the targeted killing of Iran's supreme leader, have heightened tensions. Russia perceives these moves as threats, potentially emboldening its stance in Ukraine and strengthening its alliance with Iran and China amid global energy market disruptions.
Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasizes the need for Ukraine to secure peace, amid conflicting signals from US President Trump and Russia. Trump suggests Ukraine must make concessions, while Zelensky seeks support without weakening defenses. The geopolitical landscape remains volatile with ongoing US, Russia, and Iran tensions.
Russia is increasing its recruitment activities, targeting students and companies to bolster forces in Ukraine. Incentives include financial benefits and educational support, while regional authorities impose quotas on businesses. These measures come as Russia faces ongoing military losses and economic pressures.
Russia has published a list of European companies allegedly producing drones for Ukraine and warned these could become targets for Russian strikes. The warning follows recent European agreements to increase drone supplies to Ukraine. Ukrainian strikes have damaged Russian oil infrastructure, while Ukraine accuses Russia of aiding Iran's attacks on US forces in the Middle East.
Russia has carried out its deadliest attack on Ukraine in 2026, launching nearly 700 drones and dozens of missiles overnight on April 15-16. The strikes have killed at least 17 people, including a 12-year-old boy in Kyiv, and injured over 100 across Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine is facing shortages of US-made Patriot missiles amid ongoing air defense efforts.
Russia is deploying new mobile air defense units in the Leningrad region to counter increased Ukrainian drone assaults targeting oil infrastructure. European countries are expanding military support to Ukraine, while Russia warns of potential strikes on European drone facilities. The situation remains highly tense and escalating.
Ukraine's military intelligence has identified foreign electronic components in Russia's new S-71K cruise missile, sourced from the US, Germany, Japan, and China. Despite sanctions, Western technology continues to reach Russia's defense industry through civilian markets and middlemen, enabling Russia to develop advanced weaponry amid ongoing conflict.