Putin Extends New START Nuclear Treaty for One Year After US Pact Lapse

Putin Extends New START Treaty Limits for One Year Amid US Pact Expiry.Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a major decision on nuclear arms control. He said Moscow will voluntarily adhere to the New START treaty limits for one more year. This comes after the formal expiration of the pact with the United States.The announcement was made during a televised Security Council meeting. Putin stated the move aims to prevent a further strategic arms race. He expects a similar reciprocal step from the United States.

Rationale Behind Russia’s Voluntary Compliance

Putin explained the decision is meant to ensure predictability. He described the current global period as “rather turbulent.” According to AP, Moscow will maintain the limits to avoid disrupting the existing balance.The Russian leader emphasized that his country is not interested in escalating tensions. He called for an atmosphere conducive to future strategic dialogue with the US. This voluntary restraint is conditional on American actions.The New START treaty was originally signed in 2010. It was suspended by Putin in 2023, but Russia continued to observe its key provisions. The pact limited deployed warheads and delivery systems for both nations.

Implications for Global Nuclear Stability

This one-year extension provides a temporary stopgap. It prevents an immediate lapse in the last major nuclear arms control agreement. The move offers a window for potential future negotiations between the two powers.Arms control advocates have expressed significant concern in recent months. The treaty’s expiration without a successor deal raised fears of a new arms race. Putin’s decision temporarily alleviates these immediate worries.The future remains uncertain beyond this one-year period. Putin noted that subsequent decisions will depend on an analysis of the situation. The overall health of US-Russia relations will be a critical factor.

Global Tech Giants Pledge Billions for AI Safety and Research

This New START treaty extension provides a crucial pause in nuclear tensions. It underscores the high stakes of strategic stability between the world’s largest nuclear powers. The world will watch closely if diplomacy can build on this temporary reprieve.

Info at your fingertips

What is the New START treaty?

The New START treaty is a nuclear arms reduction agreement between the US and Russia. It limited each country to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads. The pact also restricted deployed missiles and bombers to 700.

Why did Russia suspend the treaty in 2023?

Russia suspended its participation in the treaty over objections to US support for Ukraine. Moscow claimed it could not allow US inspections of its nuclear sites under the circumstances. Despite the suspension, it continued to abide by the treaty’s limits.

What happens after this one-year extension?

The future is unclear after the extension period ends. Russia will decide on further steps based on its analysis of the situation. The absence of a formal treaty could lead to renewed nuclear competition.

How did the United States react to this news?

As of the announcement, an official US response was pending. The ball is now in Washington’s court to reciprocate the gesture. The US administration has previously expressed desire for arms control dialogue.

What are the key limits of the New START treaty?

The treaty caps deployed strategic nuclear warheads at 1,550 for each country. It also limits deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and heavy bombers to 700. The agreement included verification and inspection protocols.