Russia Declines to Discuss New Nuclear Treaty with US in Current Form, Reports Reuters

Moscow – Russia will not engage in discussions to establish a new treaty with the United States aimed at replacing an existing agreement that limits the strategic nuclear weapons of both nations, which is set to expire in 2026. The Kremlin asserted that any new discussions must encompass a broader scope, including other countries.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made this statement when questioned about the future of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which is due to lapse on February 5, 2026. This treaty currently regulates the number of strategic nuclear warheads, as well as the deployment of land-based and submarine-based missiles and bombers. It stands as the last significant framework for nuclear arms control between the United States and Russia.

In 2023, President Vladimir Putin announced the suspension of Russia’s participation in the treaty as a response to U.S. support for Ukraine. However, both Russia and the United States have continued to adhere to the limits on warheads, missiles, and bombers established by the agreement.

An unnamed senior Russian source had previously indicated that Russia would not pursue a new treaty with the United States, citing Washington’s backing of Ukraine in the conflict. Peskov acknowledged that this was consistent with earlier remarks made by President Putin.

Peskov noted, "Earlier this year, he (Putin) stated that given the changed circumstances, it is nearly impossible to discuss strategic offensive weapons and arsenals without accounting for the military nuclear infrastructure in Europe. This necessitates the inclusion of European states in the negotiation process and addressing other elements of strategic security, which Russia is unwilling to do."

He further emphasized the importance of accurately assessing the current situation and organizing negotiations that reflect all new developments, stating that it would be unreasonable to conduct discussions as if nothing had changed.

Russia and the United States collectively possess 88% of the world’s nuclear warheads. Recently, Putin announced that Russia was reevaluating its nuclear weapons policy and expanding the range of scenarios in which it might consider utilizing them.