Overview
- Russia declared it is no longer bound by the treaty, pledged to act responsibly, warned of possible military‑technical countermeasures, and said it remains open to dialogue.
- President Donald Trump has not accepted Vladimir Putin’s one‑year carryover of limits and is seeking a broader agreement that includes China, which Beijing has publicly refused.
- Reports described last‑minute discussions in Abu Dhabi to preserve key terms, but no binding arrangement was announced, and U.S. European Command said high‑level military contacts will be re‑established.
- With New START’s lapse following years of suspended inspections and Russia’s 2023 freeze on verification, transparency measures such as data exchanges and notifications have effectively ended.
- UN officials and independent experts warned the loss of legal limits raises the risk of an arms buildup, noting both sides could upload hundreds of additional warheads over time.