Moscow: The last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia has officially expired today raising fresh global concerns about the future of nuclear safety and strategic stability.
The treaty known as the New START Treaty placed limits on the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems held by both countries. It also allowed inspections and data sharing that helped prevent misunderstandings during times of tension. With its expiration there are now no legally binding limits on the nuclear arsenals of the two largest nuclear powers for the first time in decades.
The agreement was signed in 2010 and came into force in 2011. It was extended once in 2021 for five years which was the only extension allowed under its terms. Russia later suspended inspections in 2023 citing strained relations over the Ukraine conflict but both sides continued to broadly observe the limits until the treaty ended.
International leaders and security experts have warned that the absence of a treaty increases the risk of a new nuclear arms race. The United Nations described the expiry as a serious moment for global peace while religious and moral leaders called for renewed dialogue and restraint.
Russia has said it will now act based on its own security assessments. The United States has also expressed concern but said future arms control talks would require broader conditions including improved relations and trust.
The end of the treaty comes at a time of high tension between Moscow and Washington. Relations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump remain strained amid ongoing disputes over Ukraine NATO and global security.
Analysts warn that without transparency and verification measures the risk of miscalculation could rise. They also note that other nuclear armed countries are expanding their capabilities making future arms control talks more complex.
Diplomats say renewed negotiations remain possible but acknowledge that rebuilding trust will be difficult. For now the world is entering a new phase in which nuclear weapons are no longer governed by any formal agreement between the United States and Russia.