New START Treaty Expires
Analysis based on 11 articles · First reported Feb 05, 2026 · Last updated Feb 05, 2026
The expiration of the New START Treaty between the United States and Russia removes the last remaining caps on their nuclear arsenals, increasing global instability and the risk of an unconstrained nuclear arms race. This could lead to increased defense spending and geopolitical tensions, negatively impacting market sentiment and potentially diverting resources from economic growth.
The New START Treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, expired on Thursday, February 5, 2026. This event removes all caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in over 50 years, sparking fears of an unconstrained nuclear arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously expressed readiness to adhere to the treaty's limits for another year if the United States followed suit, but U.S. President Donald Trump remained noncommittal, advocating for China's inclusion in any future pact. China, led by Xi Jinping, has rejected this proposal, citing its smaller nuclear arsenal. The New START Treaty, signed in 2010 by then-U.S. president Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev, restricted each side to 1,550 nuclear warheads on 700 missiles and bombers. Although extended once in 2021, Russia suspended its participation in February 2023, citing the Ukraine conflict and the inability to conduct inspections while NATO allies sought Moscow's defeat. Despite the suspension, Russia pledged to respect the treaty's caps. The United Nations Secretary-General has described the treaty's expiry as a 'grave moment for international peace and security'.
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