Putin Offers One-Year New START Nuclear Treaty Extension

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a one-year extension to the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads deployed by the U.S. and Russia and is set to expire in February 2026. Putin emphasized that Russia is willing to adhere to the treaty's limits only if U.S. President Donald Trump agrees to the same extension, highlighting the need for mutual commitment to maintain nuclear deterrence balance. This offer aims to support global non-proliferation efforts and to foster further dialogue between Moscow and Washington regarding the treaty's future. Russia's readiness to respond to any strategic threats was also underscored amid rising tensions with NATO, including recent incidents involving Russian drones and airspace violations. The expiration of New START would mark the end of the last remaining arms control agreement between the two nuclear powers, raising concerns about future arms control and strategic stability. Putin's proposal represents a diplomatic effort to preserve arms control frameworks despite ongoing geopolitical strains.