Russia and the US are no longer bound by the Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty

Russia announces the termination of the New START treaty, concluding the binding nuclear arms limitations with the United States.

The Russian Federation has officially acknowledged the end of the Russia–United States New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), indicating that both nations are no longer obligated by its terms after its termination on February 5, 2026.

In a statement from Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow emphasized that the treaty—signed in 2010, implemented in 2011, and extended once in 2021—was essential in limiting the strategic arms race and ensuring predictability in bilateral nuclear relations.

In February 2023, Russia announced the suspension of its participation in New START, pointing to what it characterized as ongoing violations and antagonistic actions by the United States that compromised the fundamental principles of the agreement.

The statement indicates that U.S. military policies, especially regarding missile defense, have disturbed the strategic balance intended by the treaty and represent a significant violation that renders its complete implementation unfeasible.

In light of these concerns, Moscow recognized that New START effectively achieved its objectives by facilitating substantial reductions in strategic offensive arms and bolstering global strategic stability.

Russia observed that even after halting its participation, it willingly maintained adherence to the treaty’s core numerical limits until its expiration, a promise that the United States had also committed to uphold.

In September 2025, President Vladimir Putin proposed to extend voluntary limits on strategic weapons for a minimum of one year beyond the treaty’s expiration, as further revealed in the statement. The proposal, according to Russian authorities, did not elicit any formal response from Washington.

Following the expiration of the treaty, Russia announced that there are no binding commitments or reciprocal declarations currently in effect.

Moscow announced that it would formulate its future strategic arms policy by evaluating the U.S. military stance and wider global security trends.

Russia has expressed its willingness to implement military-technical measures to protect national security should new threats emerge, while also reaffirming its openness to diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the strategic environment, as long as the dialogue is based on equal and mutually beneficial terms.