U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty concerns are growing worldwide as the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as New START, is set to expire on February 6, 2026. The agreement, signed in 2010, has been a cornerstone of global nuclear stability by limiting the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems held by both countries.
Under New START, both the United States and Russia are restricted from deploying more than 1,550 nuclear warheads each. The treaty has helped maintain transparency and predictability between the two atomic powers for more than a decade. Experts warn that if the treaty expires without a replacement, it could signal the end of nearly 50 years of nuclear arms control efforts.
According to international reports, the US and Russia together possess around 87 per cent of the world’s nuclear weapons. Without mutual limits, both sides could rapidly expand their arsenals. This may also push other global powers to strengthen their own nuclear capabilities, raising fears of a new international arms race.
The treaty cannot be extended again, as its only five-year extension was already approved in 2021 by Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Joe Biden. Analysts believe the lack of a binding framework at a time of rising geopolitical tensions could be extremely dangerous.
Former US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in negotiating a new and improved agreement. He has also suggested that China, which has the fastest-growing nuclear arsenal, should be included in any future deal. Until then, uncertainty continues to keep the world on edge.
