Overview

• Russia says it will observe New START limits for one year beyond Feb. 5, 2026 only if the United States mirrors the move and avoids steps that erode deterrence parity.
• Putin presented the offer in a televised Security Council meeting, calling it a way to preserve the status quo, avert an arms race, and reopen strategic talks with Washington.
• He directed Russian agencies to scrutinize U.S. strategic forces, missile defenses, and space deployments, warning that Moscow could take technical-military measures if needed.
• New START caps each side at 1,550 deployed strategic warheads and 700 delivery systems, but Russia’s suspension since Feb. 21, 2023 has halted inspections and strained verification.
• Putin said a U.S. renunciation would be shortsighted and harmful to Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty objectives, while the U.S. reaction to the proposal has not been announced.