Putin proposes one-year extension of US-Russia nuclear arms pact

Putin says he is ready to talk on nuclear stockpile treaty with US. PHOTO: FILE

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday offered US counterpart Donald Trump a nuclear arms control deal to extend the last remaining treaty limiting both countries’ nuclear weapons by one year, while Moscow and Washington discuss what comes next.

Russia and the United States possess the world’s largest nuclear arsenals. The New START treaty, the last pact capping their strategic weapons, is due to expire on Feb. 5 next year.

The treaty covers strategic nuclear arms – weapons designed to strike the enemy’s military, economic and political centres – and limits deployed warheads to 1,550 per side. Both countries are expected to breach the cap if the pact is not extended or replaced.

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Putin under pressure over Ukraine

Putin said his proposal was in the interests of global non-proliferation and could spur dialogue with Washington, though he remains under pressure from Trump to end the war in Ukraine. Moscow says that conflict is only one of several security issues pushing East-West tensions to their highest since the Cold War.

The offer, announced at a meeting of Putin’s Security Council, came as Ukraine presses Trump to impose harsher sanctions on Russia.

“Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START Treaty for one year after 5 February 2026,” Putin said.

“Subsequently, based on an analysis of the situation, we will make a decision on whether to maintain these voluntary self-imposed restrictions. We believe that this measure will only be viable if the United States acts in a similar manner and does not take steps that undermine or violate the existing balance of deterrence capabilities.”

The move marked a shift in Moscow’s position, which until now insisted arms control talks could only proceed if overall ties improved. Washington gave no immediate response.

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Talks yet to begin

With just over four months before the New START expires, Russia and the United States have yet to begin negotiations on renewal or replacement, hampered by their differences over Ukraine. Trump has previously said he wants a new nuclear arms deal that also includes China, an idea Beijing has rejected.

Putin said Russia would closely monitor US nuclear and defence developments, particularly Washington’s missile defence expansion and proposals to deploy interceptors in space.

“We will proceed on the basis that the practical implementation of such destabilising actions could nullify our efforts to maintain the status quo in the field of START,” Putin warned. “We will respond accordingly.”