Moscow, February 5: The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced that there are no longer any obligations between Russia and the United States under the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, commonly known as New START. The ministry believes that with the expiration of the treaty, both parties are no longer compelled to adhere to its rules.
On Wednesday, the ministry stated that it has yet to receive a formal and clear response from the U.S. regarding Russia’s proposal to voluntarily maintain the agreed limits on nuclear weapons after the treaty’s expiration, which occurred on February 5.
The ministry emphasized that, given the current circumstances, Russia considers all parties involved in the New START treaty to be free from its conditions and mutual declarations, including the treaty’s main rules. Consequently, both countries are now free to determine their next steps independently.
Russia also indicated its readiness to take stringent military and technical measures if faced with new threats to its national security. According to the Xinhua news agency, the ministry clarified that if the right conditions arise, Russia is also prepared for political and diplomatic discussions to maintain strategic stability.
The New START treaty was established between Russia and the U.S. in 2010, aimed at limiting the number of nuclear weapons and their delivery systems. It came into force on February 5, 2011, initially set for a duration of ten years, which was later extended to February 5, 2026.
In September 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that if the U.S. did not take steps to disrupt strategic balance, Russia would continue to adhere to the treaty’s original limits for one year after its expiration.
U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned in January that he was not overly concerned about the treaty’s end and hoped both nations could reach a new agreement.
Notably, the New START treaty is now the last major arms control agreement between Russia and the U.S., following the U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019.
