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The treaty requires the United States and Russia to reduce their deployed strategic nuclear warheads to a maximum of 1,550 each.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the US extended the “New START” treaty with Russia on Wednesday for a period of 5 years. Russia welcomed the move and announced that the agreement entered into force today.
“The extension of the new START treaty ensures that we have verifiable limits on ballistic ballistic missiles launched from Russian submarines and heavy bombers until February 5, 2026,” Blinken added in a statement.
“In times of stress in particular, verifiable restrictions on Russia’s intercontinental nuclear weapons are of the utmost importance,” he said.
In addition to restricting the number of strategic nuclear weapons deployed to its lowest level in decades, the new START treaty also limits the missiles, land bombers and submarines that carry them.
The administration of US President Joe Biden said last month it would seek the extension. The Arms Control Treaty, which will expire on February 5, obliges the United States and Russia to reduce their deployed strategic nuclear warheads, to a maximum of 1,550 each.
Russian position
Russia’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the US move Wednesday, saying the extension “guarantees the necessary level of predictability and transparency in this area, with strict adherence to a balance of interests.”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the agreement to extend the Strategic Offensive Arms Limitation Treaty “START 3” entered into force today, and that Moscow and Washington exchanged necessary notes on the matter.
He added that Moscow is ready to work with Washington to improve global security and strategic stability, and calls on Washington to cooperate.
On January 29, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that extends the treaty for five years. Russia has said the extension will take effect when the two sides exchange diplomatic notes.
For its part, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced that it supports the agreement between Washington and Moscow to extend the New START treaty, because it contributes to international stability.
The European Union also welcomed the extension of the treaty between Washington and Moscow and saw it as a decisive contribution to international and European security.
Policy experts said abolishing the treaty would end all restrictions placed on the deployment of strategic nuclear warheads by the United States and Russia and the launch systems they carry, potentially triggering a new arms race.
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