Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media that instead of extending the New START treaty with Russia which expired, efforts should focus on creating a new "improved and modernized" agreement with long-term effectiveness. Trump claimed the treaty, previously signed and extended by Democratic administrations, was a "bad deal" negotiated by the U.S. and had been "seriously violated," though he provided no specifics.
During a subsequent White House briefing, Press Secretary reiterated Trump's position, indicating the former president wants experts to develop a new treaty to replace New START. When asked whether both nations would adhere to the treaty's terms during new negotiations, the spokesperson said they had no information.
Earlier reports suggested U.S. and Russian negotiators had been discussing compliance with the treaty in Abu Dhabi and were close to an agreement. The New START treaty, signed in 2010, limited deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems for both countries. It took effect in February 2011 with a 10-year initial term, later extended to February 2026. Trump previously stated he was unconcerned about the expiration timeline and expected a new agreement.
Meanwhile, Russian officials asserted the treaty's termination would not trigger a new arms race or nuclear conflict. A Russian parliamentary deputy stated the world "would not collapse" despite the expiration, noting the treaty had become "more symbolic than practical" in recent years. He suggested both countries would likely avoid immediately exceeding the treaty's numerical limits for strategic nuclear weapons despite the legal framework dissolving.
The expiration marks the first time since 1972 that no nuclear arms control agreement exists between Russia and the United States. International observers expressed concern about reduced transparency and increased nuclear risks. The UN Secretary-General called this a serious moment for international peace and security, noting nuclear weapon use risk is at its highest level in decades.
Russian officials indicated they would act responsibly in determining future strategic weapons policy while remaining open to dialogue under appropriate conditions. Some analysts suggest the expiration reflects broader governmental dysfunction rather than ideological differences, with career diplomats being marginalized in complex negotiations.
While an immediate Cold War-style arms race appears unlikely due to practical manufacturing constraints and mutual deterrence considerations, experts warn the treaty's demise erodes critical communication channels and increases misinterpretation risks. The termination continues a trend of disintegrating arms control frameworks between the nuclear powers.
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