Putin's Proposal: Extending the New START Treaty and the Future of Arms Control
The Kremlin expressed optimism about the potential extension of the New START arms reduction treaty following U.S. President Donald Trump's positive comments on the matter. Russian President Vladimir Putin had proposed extending the treaty for one more year to prevent destabilization and proliferation of nuclear weapons. Putin also suggested that maintaining limits on nuclear weapons could facilitate strategic dialogue with the U.S. He emphasized the importance of working on a possible successor pact during the extension period, which could involve discussions on battlefield nuclear weapons and strategic systems. Putin mentioned the U.S.'s desire to include China in arms control talks but noted that it's Washington's responsibility to persuade Beijing. He also suggested that the nuclear arsenals of NATO members Britain and France should be part of any future agreement. Despite some opposition in the U.S. to extending the New START treaty, Putin expressed confidence in Russia's nuclear capabilities. The treaty, signed by Obama and Medvedev, limits each country's deployed nuclear warheads and missiles. Inspections to verify compliance were halted in 2020 due to the pandemic. Arms control advocates have raised concerns about the treaty's expiration and the need for dialogue to prevent a new nuclear arms race and potential conflict.