Putin has offered Trump a one-year extension of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which expires in February.
“Russia is ready to continue adhering to the limitations of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty for one year after its expiration on February 5, 2026. In order not to provoke a further strategic arms race, to ensure an acceptable level of predictability and restraint, we consider it justified to try to maintain the status quo at the current rather turbulent stage,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
He noted that a decision on the continuation of “voluntary self-restraints” would be made in the future based on an analysis of the situation. At the same time, Putin emphasized that the measure would be viable only if the United States acted in the same way and did not take steps that would undermine the currently formed ratio of deterrence potential.
The president has asked Russia’s relevant departments to monitor Washington’s activities related to the START arsenal. Putin also added that the START treaty has played a significant role in maintaining the balance of power for 15 years.
“If the treaty ceases to operate, it will mean the disappearance of the last international agreement on direct limitations on nuclear missile potential,” he concluded.
