Saturday, March 29, 2025
Russian President Announces Nuclear Limits Will Be Respected Even After U.S. Treaty Expiry
Monday, September 22, 2025, 6:27 PM
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a significant announcement on Monday, declaring that Russia will continue to abide by the core limits of the New START nuclear treaty for one additional year after its scheduled expiry on February 5, 2026. He emphasized that Moscow expects Washington to take reciprocal steps in order to avoid a new nuclear arms race.
The New START treaty, originally signed in 2010 and extended in 2021 for five more years, is set to expire in February 2026. Putin’s remarks come amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis and mounting global tensions, where debates over nuclear arms control have intensified.
Putin clarified that Russia is prepared to respect the treaty’s numerical limits until early 2027:
“After that, we will review the situation and decide whether to maintain these self-imposed restrictions.”
He stressed that this commitment would only hold if the United States also refrains from any action that could undermine the current balance of defense capabilities.
Speaking via video conference with the Russian Security Council, Putin insisted that Moscow has no interest in escalating tensions or fueling an arms race. He acknowledged the deteriorating state of strategic stability but underlined Russia’s intent to avoid reckless escalation.
Although Moscow suspended its participation in the treaty in 2023, the Kremlin pledged to honor its provisions until its expiration date — and now, potentially, for one year beyond.
