New START Treaty Expires, Russia Observes Limits

The New START nuclear treaty, which imposed binding constraints on the strategic nuclear arsenals of Russia and the United States, expired on February 5. This marks the first time in over half a century that the two largest nuclear powers are without such limitations. While U.S. President Donald Trump declined Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to voluntarily extend the limits for another year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia would continue to observe the missile and warhead limits as long as the United States reciprocates. The expiration has raised concerns about a potential three-way arms race involving Russia, the U.S., and China, though Russia's state budget is reportedly strained by the ongoing war in Ukraine, making such a contest costly.