Russia to Observe New START Limits Conditionally
Analysis based on 24 articles · First reported Feb 11, 2026 · Last updated Feb 11, 2026
The conditional observance of the New START treaty by Russia, despite its expiration, reduces immediate fears of an unconstrained nuclear arms race, which could have led to increased defense spending and market uncertainty. The agreement to reestablish military-to-military dialogue between the United States and Russia also signals a potential de-escalation of tensions, which is generally positive for market stability.
The New START treaty, the last nuclear arms pact between the United States and Russia, expired on February 5, leaving no formal restrictions on their atomic arsenals. Despite this, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Russia will observe the treaty's limits as long as the United States does the same. This follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's earlier offer to extend the limits for another year, which was not formally accepted by the United States, partly due to former President Donald Trump's insistence on including China in a new pact. Both nations have confirmed discussions on future nuclear arms control and agreed to reestablish high-level military-to-military dialogue, indicating a desire to prevent an unchecked nuclear arms race despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Ukraine.
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