Amid escalating concerns over the future of international arms control, Russia has asserted that nuclear weapons remain the singular force deterring the world from heading toward a significant global conflict. This statement comes as the global security landscape faces increased uncertainty following the expiration of the New START treaty between Russia and the United States.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted the weakening state of the international security system after the New START treaty, which lapsed in February, came to an end. The agreement, established in 2010, had successfully capped the number of deployed nuclear warheads for both nations at 1,550 each. This was the last major bilateral treaty aimed at limiting the nuclear arsenals of these two superpowers.
Peskov cautioned that the absence of nuclear deterrence could elevate the risk of broader conflicts. He further suggested that emerging non-nuclear technologies might eventually reach a level of destructive capability comparable to that of nuclear weapons, thereby posing new challenges to global security.
The dissolution of New START has sparked fears of a potential new arms race among major global powers. In response, former US President Donald Trump advocated for a new arms control framework that would also encompass China, given its expanding nuclear capabilities. However, China has dismissed invitations to engage in such negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia has maintained that any forthcoming agreements should also incorporate other US allies, including the United Kingdom and France.