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Kremlin Presses One-Year New START Adherence as Only Realistic Path

The White House welcomes the idea, with verification and reciprocity still unresolved.

Overview

  • Vladimir Putin proposed that Russia observe New START’s central numerical limits for one year beyond the 5 February 2026 expiry, contingent on a comparable U.S. commitment.
  • Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said renegotiating the treaty before it lapses is not feasible, noting the topic came up in talks with President Trump without producing an agreement.
  • New START caps each side at 1,550 deployed strategic warheads and limits delivery systems, but Russia has paused on-site inspections since 2023 while saying it remains within the caps.
  • Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the offer "sounds pretty good" and indicated the president would comment further.
  • Analysts voiced skepticism given Russia’s recent nuclear posture and prior suspension of inspections, and Moscow warned that letting the pact lapse could erode global security and spur proliferation.