The New START treaty between the United States and Russia officially expired on Thursday, ending more than 50 years of legally binding limits on their strategic nuclear arsenals. Without this agreement, there are no current restrictions on the number of deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems each country can maintain.
The expiration raises concerns about the future of nuclear arms control and the potential for an unchecked buildup of nuclear weapons. Both nations have yet to announce plans for a new agreement or extension, leaving the status of strategic stability uncertain.
**Why this matters**
The New START treaty was the last remaining arms control agreement between the US and Russia, providing transparency and verification measures to reduce the risk of nuclear escalation. Its expiration removes these safeguards, increasing the possibility of a renewed nuclear arms race and complicating global efforts to prevent nuclear conflict.
Source: NewsData