08.02.2026 06:20
The New START agreement between the United States and Russia, which limits nuclear weapons, will expire on February 5, 2026. While the parties have reached a consensus to continue informally implementing the terms, there have been consecutive statements from Russia and the U.S. regarding the agreement.
The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which limits nuclear weapons between the United States and Russia, officially expired on February 5, 2026. The end of this agreement, seen as the last major bilateral nuclear control mechanism of the post-Cold War era, means that the parties are free from binding obligations.
THEY WILL CONTINUE INFORMALLY
Nevertheless, Washington and Moscow have agreed to continue implementing the terms of the agreement informally. According to a report by Axios, based in the U.S., diplomats have agreed to continue observationally applying the conditions to ensure that the principles of New START are effectively upheld and to continue discussions on a possible new framework. It is reported that this draft agreement is awaiting approval from the leaders of both countries.
CAUSED PANIC IN THE PUBLIC
The expiration of New START is causing deep concern in the international community. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the end of the agreement as "a grave moment for international peace and security" and called on the parties to urgently reach a consensus on a new agreement. Guterres emphasized that the two countries possess the world's largest nuclear arsenals and that the end of New START poses unique risks to global stability.
RUSSIA ANNOUNCED
The first statement from the parties after the agreement was made by Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Peskov confirmed that Washington and Moscow would negotiate a new agreement. The Kremlin Spokesman stated that they agreed to adhere to the terms of the old agreement during the period until this new agreement comes into force. He announced that the parties discussed the issue in meetings in Abu Dhabi.
STATEMENT FROM THE U.S.
A White House official also confirmed that the U.S. and Russia have reached an agreement to maintain the terms of the agreement. The official stated, "There are no plans to start producing more nuclear weapons and to begin rearmament, so we can say that the status quo continues."