Following the expiration of the New START treaty earlier this month, which was the last arms control agreement between the US and Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that Moscow is not in a rush to develop or deploy more nuclear weapons. Lavrov emphasized that Russia will honor a moratorium on expanding its nuclear arsenal, contingent upon the United States maintaining its own arsenals below specified thresholds. His remarks come in light of President Vladimir Putin's proposal for a one-year extension of the nuclear arms limitations, which went unanswered by Washington.

Both Russia and the United States have expressed a desire to negotiate a new arms control agreement; however, the dynamics of these talks are complex. The US is pushing for the inclusion of China in any future negotiations due to its growing nuclear capabilities. Moscow's position suggests that if China is to be part of the new agreement, other nations should also be included, indicating a broader strategy beyond just US-Russia relations. This places a significant emphasis on the need for multilateral discussions in the face of increasing global tensions around nuclear arms.

The implications of these assertions could be profound. With the end of the New START treaty, both countries could potentially engage in an arms race as they explore new weapons development. Alternatively, if talks can progress with the inclusion of other powers like China, it might lead to a more comprehensive framework for managing nuclear capabilities and de-escalating tensions internationally. The current state of play underscores the fragile balance of nuclear diplomacy amid rising geopolitical frictions.