The expiration of the New START treaty on February 5, 2026, has officially ended the last binding nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, raising fears of a renewed global arms race. The UN has warned this is a “grave moment” for international peace and security, as both nations are now free to expand their nuclear arsenals without limits.
The End of New START: What It Means
– Treaty Background: Signed in 2010, the New START capped each side at 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads and included verification measures like on-site inspections.
– Expiration Date: The treaty lapsed at midnight GMT, February 5, 2026, with no extension or replacement agreement.
– Immediate Impact: Both Washington and Moscow are now unbound by limits on their nuclear stockpiles, ending decades of structured arms control.
Global Reactions
– Russia’s Position: Moscow pledged to act “responsibly” but warned it would take decisive measures if its security is threatened.
– U.S. Stance: Washington has not committed to voluntarily adhering to treaty limits, leaving open the possibility of arsenal expansion.
– UN Warning: Secretary-General António Guterres called the expiration a “grave moment”, stressing that the world is entering uncharted territory with no legally binding nuclear constraints.
– Medvedev’s Alarm: Dmitry Medvedev warned that the lapse accelerates the symbolic “Doomsday Clock”, reflecting heightened nuclear risk.
Why This Matters
– Risk of Arms Race: Without limits, both nations could expand their arsenals, potentially triggering a new global nuclear competition.
– Verification Loss: The treaty’s inspection regime ensured transparency; its end means less trust and more uncertainty.
– China Factor: Beijing has resisted involvement in trilateral arms control, complicating future negotiations.
Looking Ahead-
Diplomatic Uncertainty: No talks are currently underway to replace New START, leaving the future of nuclear arms control in doubt.
– Global Security Concerns: The expiration comes amid already heightened geopolitical tensions, increasing the risk of miscalculation.
– Call for Action: Experts urge renewed dialogue, possibly involving multilateral frameworks that include China and other nuclear powers.
Reference
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/05/russia-us-nuclear-new-start-treaty-expires-un-warning