Putin offers Trump one-year extension to nuclear weapons treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered U.S. President Donald Trump a one-year extension on Monday to the last remaining treaty limiting nuclear weapons between the two nations, as they discuss future steps.

Russia and the United States hold the largest nuclear arsenals globally. The New START treaty, which limits the number of strategic nuclear weapons—those designed to target military, economic, and political centres—expires on 5 February.

The treaty caps deployed warheads at 1,550 for each side, a limit both nations are likely to exceed if the treaty is not extended or replaced.

Putin under pressure to end Ukraine war

Putin stated that his proposal was in the interest of global non-proliferation and could help foster dialogue with Washington on arms control.

He has been under pressure from Trump to agree to end the war in Ukraine, an issue Moscow says is part of a broader range of security concerns that have escalated East-West tensions to their highest since the Cold War.

Putin made the offer public at a meeting of his Security Council, as Ukraine presses Trump to impose stricter sanctions on Russia.

"Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START Treaty for one year after February 5, 2026," he announced.

"Afterwards, based on an analysis of the situation, we will decide whether to maintain these voluntary, self-imposed restrictions."

"This measure will only be viable if the United States acts in a similar manner and does not take steps that undermine or violate the existing balance of deterrence capabilities."

The proposal marks a shift in Moscow’s policy, which until now had insisted on engaging with Washington on such matters only if broader relations—complicated by stark disagreements over the war in Ukraine—improved.

Washington has not yet responded.

Talks on replacing the treaty still to begin

Due to differences over Ukraine, the two superpowers have not yet initiated talks on renewing or replacing the treaty, though Trump has expressed a desire for a new nuclear arms control agreement, one that would also include China.

Beijing has rejected the idea of being included in such discussions.

Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, described Putin's offer as "a positive and welcome move". He urged Washington to reciprocate, stating that Trump and Putin could "help reduce the most immediate existential security threat facing the world".

Putin added that Russia would monitor U.S. nuclear arms and defence activities, with particular focus on missile defence plans and proposals to deploy missile interceptors in space.

"The practical implementation of such destabilising actions could nullify our efforts to maintain the status quo under START," warned Putin. "We will respond accordingly."

Konstantin Kosachyov, a senior Russian senator, stated that Putin was signalling his willingness to enter talks on a new arms control treaty with the U.S.

"I hope this message is heard and interpreted correctly," Kosachyov said on Telegram.

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