Trump refuses to keep New START limits and seeks a broader nuclear agreement to reshape global arms control efforts with Russia
New Delhi: The last major nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia, known as New START, officially ended on February 5, 2026. After its expiration, both countries and leaders Trump and Putin are no longer legally required to follow limits on their deployed strategic nuclear weapons. As a result, for the first time in decades, the world’s two largest nuclear powers are functioning without a formal arms control restriction in place.
Treaty Expires After 15 Years
The United States and Russia originally signed the New START treaty in 2010 under former US President Barack Obama and then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The agreement came into force in 2011 and placed strict limits on nuclear arsenals. It capped each country at 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 strategic launchers, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched missiles and heavy bombers.
In 2021, both sides agreed to extend the treaty once. However, they did not approve another extension this year. As a result, the agreement officially lapsed in February 2026.
Because of this expiration, no legally binding restrictions now limit the nuclear forces of the United States and Russia. Experts say this situation has not occurred in more than half a century.
US President Rejects Extension Proposal
Although Russia indicated that it was willing to continue observing the treaty’s limits for another year, President Donald Trump clearly rejected that proposal. He stated that he does not support extending what he considers an outdated and poorly negotiated agreement.
Trump publicly criticized New START and claimed that it had been violated. Instead of prolonging the existing framework, he called for creating a new, stronger and modern nuclear arms deal. He said the United States should not continue with a flawed agreement but should work toward a better one that reflects current global realities.
By turning down the extension, Trump made it apparent that US nuclear policy has changed and that he would rather begin negotiations anew.
Pushes for Broader Deal
Trump has, however, shown a desire to broaden the terms of any future deal. He has advocated for China’s inclusion in a new nuclear agreement on several occasions.
Unlike the United States and Russia, China is not part of any bilateral treaty that limits its strategic nuclear arsenal. In recent years, Beijing has steadily expanded its nuclear capabilities. However, Chinese officials have maintained that their country’s nuclear stockpile remains much smaller than those of Washington and Moscow. Because of that difference, China has shown little willingness to join similar restrictions.
Despite this resistance, Trump believes that including China would make a future agreement more balanced and effective. However, diplomatic analysts caution that persuading Beijing to participate would require significant negotiation and compromise.
Kremlin Regrets Treaty’s End
Meanwhile, the Kremlin reacted with regret to the expiration of New START. Russian officials described the treaty as an important pillar of strategic stability that helped manage tensions for more than a decade.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia views the treaty’s end negatively. However, he added that Moscow will continue acting responsibly as a nuclear power. He also emphasized that Russia remains open to serious dialogue if the United States is willing to negotiate a meaningful replacement agreement.
Earlier, Russia had proposed maintaining the existing limits temporarily to avoid instability. Once the United States declined to extend the treaty, that option disappeared.
Loss of Verification Measures
In addition to setting limits, New START also created inspection and verification systems. These measures allowed both countries to exchange data and conduct on-site inspections to confirm compliance.
Over the past few years, tensions between Washington and Moscow disrupted many of these inspection activities. After the treaty expired, those formal transparency mechanisms ended completely.
Security experts warn that when countries lose verification tools, mistrust naturally increases. Without regular inspections and data exchanges, the United States and Russia cannot clearly monitor each other’s nuclear capabilities. As a result, both sides may struggle to accurately assess military strength and strategic intentions.
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Risk of a New Arms Race
Because the treaty has expired, analysts are now expressing concern about the possibility of a renewed nuclear arms race. With no legal limits in place, both countries technically have the freedom to expand their nuclear arsenals if they choose to do so.
Experts warn that if one country significantly increases its stockpile, the other is likely to respond in the same way. This kind of competition could raise global tensions and increase the chances of dangerous miscalculations during periods of crisis.
Although the United States and Russia already possess large and powerful nuclear arsenals, the absence of formal restrictions creates uncertainty about how their military strategies may evolve in the future.
Ongoing Diplomatic Contacts
Even though the treaty has ended, the United States and Russia have not completely cut off communication. Reports suggest that senior officials from both nations have resumed limited military-to-military discussions in recent months.
Through these discussions, both sides aim to reduce misunderstandings and preserve strategic stability. While they have not officially begun negotiations for a new treaty, both governments have stated that they are open to future talks under the right conditions.
Global Impact and Future Outlook
The expiration of New START marks a critical watershed moment in global weapons control efforts. For decades, formal agreements between Washington and Moscow served to lower nuclear dangers and increase mutual confidence by creating explicit boundaries and verification methods.
Now, President Trump has decided not to extend the existing treaty and instead wants to negotiate a new and broader agreement. At the same time, Russia has expressed regret over the treaty’s end but continues to show willingness to hold discussions while protecting its national security interests.
The actions of both governments in the coming months will have a important impact on global security. If they succeed in negotiating a new comprehensive agreement, they may be able to restore stability. However, if they enter a phase of strategic rivalry with no formal constraints, they have the potential to reshape the future of nuclear arms control around the world.
