U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that he may let the New START treaty—the last standing nuclear arms control pact between the United States and Russia—expire on February 5, 2026. ⏰
In an interview with The New York Times this week, Trump said, "If it expires, it expires" and hinted at "a better agreement" that could bring in "a couple of other players," raising eyebrows in capitals around the world. 🌐
First signed in 2010 and taking effect in 2011, New START limits each side to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads and 700 launchers, including missiles, bombers, and submarines. It was extended by five years in 2021—its final allowable extension.
Letting the treaty lapse would mark the first time in about 50 years that the two biggest nuclear powers face no binding limits on their arsenals. Experts warn this could ramp up tensions and spark a new arms race.
In September 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to keep observing the treaty if the United States did the same, but Trump’s comments suggest he’s looking beyond a bilateral deal.
With the clock ticking down to this February, all eyes are on Washington and Moscow: will they revive the pact, or move toward a fresh, multilateral vision of nuclear control? It’s like the cliffhanger at the end of a blockbuster—what’s next? 🍿
Reference(s):
Trump signals he may let last U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty expire
cgtn.com
