US President Donald Trump has officially rejected Vladimir Putin's initiative to voluntarily extend restrictions on the deployment of strategic nuclear weapons for another year. The American leader stated that instead of supporting the old agreement, Washington should focus on creating a fundamentally new and modernized treaty that would meet modern security challenges. This is reported by Reuters, writes UNN.
Details
Trump expressed his position on February 5 on the Truth Social platform. He called "New START-3" (New START) a "poorly negotiated agreement" that Russia is grossly violating. This statement is based on the Kremlin's decision in 2023 to stop mutual inspections at nuclear facilities. Trump emphasized that US nuclear experts are already working on an improved document that should become a long-term foundation for stability.
The US refusal was a direct response to Putin's proposal to adhere to the 2010 limits - no more than 1550 warheads on 700 delivery systems (missiles, submarines, and aircraft). Opponents of the current treaty in the US argue that the pact is outdated because it does not take into account China's rapid growth in nuclear potential and limits the Pentagon's ability to deter two powerful adversaries simultaneously.
Prospects for new negotiations and risks of escalation
Despite the refusal to extend the old agreement, the White House signals its readiness for further dialogue. Administration spokeswoman Carolyn Leavitt confirmed that the US will continue negotiations with Moscow, but on new terms. In turn, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia remains open to discussions if Washington demonstrates a constructive approach.
Arms control advocates and UN representatives express concern that the final termination of START-III could provoke an uncontrolled nuclear arms race, similar to the Cold War.