Whilst the world watches, the Trump and Putin “love-in” over pursuing peace, l have been wondering whether we could have an extension of the START agreement between the USA and Russia which terminates in February 2026. It is a key element of U.S.-Russia arms control and a crucial step towards nuclear disarmament.
The New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) Treaty is the remaining major arms control agreement between the United States and Russia. It limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads each country can deploy, with caps on deployed warheads and delivery vehicles like long-range missiles and bombers. The treaty also allows for inspections of nuclear weapons sites to ensure compliance. It was signed in 2010 and entered into force in 2011, and was extended through February 4, 2026.
- Nuclear Warhead Limits: Caps the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550 for each country.
- Delivery Vehicle Limits: Limits the number of deployed long-range missiles and bombers to 700.
- Verification Measures: Includes provisions for on-site inspections of nuclear weapons sites, data exchanges, and notifications on the movement and status of nuclear weapons.
- Purpose: To enhance national security by placing verifiable limits on strategic offensive arms.
- Extension: The treaty was extended through February 4, 2026.
Now the New START Treaty replaced the START I treaty, which expired in 2009, it is a key element of U.S.-Russia arms control and a crucial step towards nuclear disarmament. The treaty has faced challenges, including suspensions of inspections due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s decision to suspend participation in the treaty’s implementation. Despite these challenges, the treaty remains in effect, and both sides have expressed a commitment to its extension.
An extension of the New START treaty before the 4th of February 2026 would certainly be a crucial step towards nuclear disarmament, and a useful and meaningful way to start the new year. Given its been extended before, it should be pretty straight forward for this bllateral agreement to further extended.