Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia is willing to uphold the limits of the New START nuclear treaty for an additional year beyond its February 2026 expiration. The move aims to prevent a renewed arms race and encourage the United States to adopt the same approach.
The New START, signed in 2010, caps each country at 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers, while providing for on-site inspections, which were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The treaty had been extended once already, after its original expiration in 2021.
Putin emphasized that maintaining nuclear limits could create a framework for further strategic dialogue with the U.S., even as tensions over the war in Ukraine remain high. Russia has previously suspended participation in the treaty, citing security concerns, but has pledged to respect the warhead and missile caps.
Experts note that adhering to the treaty could prevent escalation, reduce tensions, and provide diplomatic leverage, including addressing China&rsquo;s nuclear expansion, while allowing time for negotiations on a longer-term agreement.
The announcement comes amid a backdrop of heightened NATO-Russia tensions, including airspace violations and military provocations, underscoring the global stakes of nuclear arms control in the current geopolitical climate.

Russia signals readiness to maintain nuclear limits for a year, urging U.S. compliance

Putin Offers One-Year Extension on New START

Russia signals readiness to maintain nuclear limits for a year, urging U.S. compliance

September 23, 2025 | 15:57 IST