The New START treaty, which limited intercontinental nuclear weapons between the U.S. and Russia, expired on February 5, 2026, raising concerns over nuclear risks.
The expiration of the New START treaty on February 5, 2026, marked the end of a significant agreement that had been in place for 15 years, aimed at limiting the intercontinental nuclear capabilities of the United States and Russia, the world's two largest nuclear powers. This development is viewed as a dangerous escalation in the landscape of nuclear armament and could lead to increased tensions between these nations. Experts are alarmed at the potential for an arms race as both countries no longer have the treaty restrictions in place.
Susi Snyder, a coordinator with the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), emphasized the precarious situation that now exists following the treaty's dissolution. With the absence of mechanisms for accountability and communication, the risk of nuclear conflict may rise significantly, particularly as both nations might consider modernizing their nuclear arsenals without any restrictions. Snyder’s insights underline the lack of cooperative dialogue that the treaty previously facilitated, suggesting that the geopolitical climate has become increasingly fraught.
The end of New START poses broader implications not just for U.S.-Russia relations but also for global security. The vacuum left by the treaty could lead to an unpredictable environment where nuclear strategies are recalibrated based on perceived threats rather than negotiation and transparency. Experts fear that the international community may now face higher stakes in nuclear policy, calling for renewed focus on disarmament efforts to mitigate these rising risks.
