A senior official from the US State Department has confirmed that there is no informal commitment between the US and Russia to continue following the limitations of the New START nuclear reduction treaty after its expiration on February 5. This announcement comes amidst Russia's outreach to the US regarding the renewal of the treaty, which has not received a formal response from Washington. This treaty has been crucial in strategic arms control but has been criticized by US officials, including President Donald Trump who referred to it as a 'badly negotiated deal.' Trump has expressed a desire for a 'new, improved, and modernized' agreement as a replacement.

The statement made by Christopher Yeaw, the US Assistant Secretary for Arms Control and Nonproliferation, highlights the lack of an informal or 'gentlemen’s agreement' between the two countries regarding the treaty's limitations. His remarks were made at an event organized by the Hudson Institute, indicating ongoing discussions within the US about future arms control measures and the geopolitical implications of nuclear disarmament. Yeaw emphasized that there are no current negotiations or agreements that would keep both parties bound to the previous treaty's conditions.

This situation raises significant concerns about nuclear arms control and international security as both nations navigate the complexities of bilateral relations. The absence of any formal dialogue or commitment could lead to an escalation in arms development and a potential arms race, fundamentally altering the landscape of global security. As both the US and Russia grapple with these issues, the future of nuclear weapons agreements remains uncertain, with implications not just for the two nations, but for global stability overall.