Former President Donald Trump has declined a request from Russian President Vladimir Putin to extend the existing cap on strategic nuclear deployments. Trump expressed interest in negotiating a new agreement to replace the recently expired treaty governing nuclear arms.
The previous treaty, which limited the number of deployed strategic nuclear weapons, lapsed without renewal. Trump indicated a preference for discussing terms of a new deal rather than extending the old one.
**Why this matters**
The expiration of the nuclear arms treaty removes formal limits on the deployment of strategic nuclear weapons by the United States and Russia, the world’s two largest nuclear powers. Without an extension or replacement, there is increased uncertainty about future arms control, which could impact global security and stability. Negotiations for a new agreement will be critical in shaping the future framework for nuclear arms reduction and management.
Source: NewsData