Putin Proposes Extension of Nuclear Arms Treaty: A Diplomatic Push

Russian President Vladimir Putin offers to extend the New START, the last US-Russia nuclear arms control treaty, by one year. This gesture aims to promote global non-proliferation and encourage dialogue with the United States. The treaty, capping strategic nuclear warheads, is set to expire in February 2026.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to extend the last nuclear arms control treaty between Moscow and Washington by one year, provided U.S. President Donald Trump agrees to the same.

The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as New START, limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads the U.S. and Russia can deploy. With its expiration date set for February 5, 2026, the treaty faces uncertainty, exacerbated by tensions over the conflict in Ukraine and the lack of renewal discussions.

Putin, addressing Russia's Security Council, emphasized that a one-year extension could support global non-proliferation and encourage further dialogue with Washington. He stressed that Russia's adherence to the treaty's limits would only be effective if the United States mirrored this commitment, ensuring the balance of nuclear deterrence remains intact.

(With inputs from agencies.)