Russian President suggests voluntarily extending restrictions on the New Start Treaty after the expiration in February 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin (Independent) proposed on Monday (22.Set.2025) voluntarily maintaining New Start’s nuclear weapons boundaries (Strategic Weapon Reduction Treaty) for 1 year after its expiration in February 2026, according to the agency reported. .
The proposal was made during a meeting of the Russian Security Council and directed to the US President (United States of America), Donald Trump (Republican Party). The White House has already classified the initiative as “Very good”.
The Russian offer states that Moscow would continue to respect the limits that restrict each country to 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and 700 launch vehicles, including missiles, submarines and bombers. This informal proposal arises because the original 2010 treaty allowed only a formal extension of 5 years, already implemented in 2021 by Putin and then American president Joe Biden (Democratic Party).
“Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits of the new treaty Start for 1 year after February 5, 2026 ″said Putin. The Russian President conditioned the proposal to American reciprocity: “This measure will only be feasible if the United States acts similarly and does not take action that mine or violate the existing balance of dissuasive abilities.”.
Putin also indicated that the extension could be temporary. “Subsequently, based on the analysis of the situation, we will make a decision on whether we will keep these voluntary and self -imposed restrictions”he said.
Russian President warned that American, especially the plans to strengthen antimysis defenses and proposals for the implementation of missile interceptors in space. “Practical implementation of such destabilizing actions can nullify our efforts to maintain the status quo in the start of Start.these.
The proposal has implications for China, which previously rejected the idea of being included in a new nuclear weapon control agreement, as suggested by Trump. The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed support for the Russian initiative, classifying it as “A positive and welcome measure”. According to Guo Jiakun, Ministry spokesman, the US and Russia should continue to reduce their nuclear arsenals “In a verifiable, irreversible and legally binding manner”.
Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, classified Putin’s offer as “A positive and welcome measure”. He urged Washington to repay, stating that Trump and Putin could “Help reduce the more immediate existential threat that the world faces”.
