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Putin Names Nuclear Triad Development Russia's 'Absolute Priority' After New START Expiry

The pledge follows the treaty’s lapse, leaving the U.S.–Russia arsenals without binding limits.

Overview

  • In a televised address for Defender of the Fatherland Day, Putin also called for strengthening the army and navy using lessons from the war in Ukraine.
  • He said all branches will raise readiness, improve mobility, and ensure operations under the most difficult conditions.
  • The 2010 New START treaty expired on February 5, ending inspections and caps on deployed strategic warheads; Washington wants any successor to include China, which has rejected joining.
  • The Kremlin says it will handle strategic nuclear capabilities responsibly and continue to respect previously set limits.
  • Public estimates put Russia’s stockpile at roughly 5,460 warheads and the United States at about 5,180, with a smaller but growing Chinese arsenal, as analysts warn the lapse and Russian modernization risk renewed competition.