Russia declares obligations under New START nuclear treaty concluded

Russia has announced that its obligations under the last major nuclear arms control treaty with the United States, New START, have effectively concluded. In a statement on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared both nations are now "free to choose their next steps," marking a potential end to an era of regulated strategic competition.

Failed Extension Proposal and Lack of US Response

The ministry stated that Russia had sought to preserve the treaty's framework, with President Vladimir Putin publicly proposing in September to maintain the pact's weapon caps for at least one year beyond its termination. However, Moscow claims it received "no formal response from the US with regard to the initiative" through established diplomatic channels, leading to the current impasse.

Moscow's Stated Future Approach

In its declaration, the ministry asserted that Russia now considers itself and the US no longer bound by the treaty's core provisions or related declarations. It pledged to develop its strategic arms policy "responsibly and in a balanced manner," based on a "thorough analysis of the US military policy." Concurrently, it warned of readiness to take "decisive military-technical measures" to counter perceived threats to national security.

Openness to Dialogue Amidst New Strategic Uncertainty

While framing the treaty's end as a fait accompli, the statement left the door open for future diplomacy. Russia expressed a willingness to seek "politico-diplomatic ways to comprehensively stabilize the strategic situation on the basis of equal and mutually beneficial dialogue," should the conditions for such cooperation emerge. The lapse of New START, the last legally binding pact limiting US and Russian nuclear arsenals, raises significant concerns about unchecked nuclear arms development.