TRUMP
International News: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he could extend the ongoing New START nuclear treaty with the United States for a year, provided US President Donald Trump agrees. Russia and the United States signed the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) in 2010. It includes reducing nuclear weapons in missiles and bombers deployed on strategic fronts.
This is the last arms control deal between the two countries, which expires on February 5, 2026. At a meeting of Russia's Security Council, Putin said that extending the agreement's deadline would help achieve arms reductions and open the door to future negotiations with the United States. "We believe that the agreement will only be valid if the United States is also ready for it," he said.
The New START Treaty was signed in 2010, under US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. According to the agreement, both countries cannot deploy more than 1,550 nuclear warheads and 700 missiles and bombers. On-site inspections were also called for to monitor the agreement. However, neither country has conducted a single visit to the agreement.
In February 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to participate in the New START treaty. Putin stated, "I do not approve of US inspectors visiting Russian nuclear facilities, especially at a time when the US and NATO are openly stating their goal is Russia's defeat in the Ukraine war."
Russia also clarified that it is not completely abandoning the treaty and will continue to adhere to the limits on the number of nuclear weapons. So far, no talks have begun between the US and Russia on reviving the treaty or creating a new one. The ongoing war in Ukraine remains the biggest obstacle to these negotiations. Trump has discussed a new arms control treaty, which he proposed would include China. However, no formal discussions have yet taken place on this issue.
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