The New START treaty, which placed legally binding limits on the number of strategic nuclear weapons held by the United States and Russia, expired on Thursday. This marks the first time in more than 50 years that the two countries have no formal agreement restricting their nuclear arsenals. Both nations now have the ability to expand their strategic forces without treaty constraints.
The expiration raises questions about the future of nuclear arms control and the potential for increased competition between the two powers. While no immediate changes in stockpiles have been announced, the absence of limits could influence defense policies and global security dynamics moving forward.
**Why this matters**
The New START treaty was the last remaining pact between the US and Russia that regulated the size and deployment of their nuclear weapons. Its expiration removes transparency measures and verification protocols that helped prevent an arms race during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions. Without a replacement agreement, there is greater uncertainty about nuclear stability and the risk of escalation between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.
Source: NewsData