Overview
- The treaty expired on February 5, 2026, leaving the United States and Russia without binding limits or on-site verification for their strategic arsenals.
- Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Russia’s State Duma that Moscow will continue observing New START’s numerical limits only as long as Washington does not exceed them.
- High-level military-to-military contacts between the U.S. and Russia were reestablished on February 5, and Vice President J.D. Vance said negotiations for an updated START agreement are underway.
- Reports from talks in Abu Dhabi described a possible informal six‑month restraint, though Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said any extension would have to be formal.
- China has rejected joining arms-control negotiations, while UN officials and experts warn that the loss of verification and transparency raises global nuclear risk.