In a recent statement, Russia has underscored the role of nuclear weapons as the sole deterrent against the outbreak of a major global conflict, amid rising concerns over the future of international arms control frameworks. The Kremlin’s remarks come in the wake of the expiration of the New START treaty, an agreement between Russia and the United States that had previously imposed a limit on the number of deployed nuclear warheads held by each country.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted the erosion of the global security architecture following the treaty’s expiration in February. Peskov cautioned that the absence of nuclear deterrence could heighten the risk of broader conflicts. He also noted the possibility that future advancements in non-nuclear technologies might eventually match the destructive potential of nuclear weapons.
The dissolution of the New START treaty has sparked fears of a renewed arms race among major world powers. Originally signed in 2010, the treaty was instrumental in capping the nuclear arsenals of both Russia and the US at 1,550 deployed warheads each, representing the last significant pact between the two nations aimed at curbing their nuclear capabilities.
Amid these developments, US President Donald Trump has advocated for the creation of a new arms control agreement that would, for the first time, include China, given its expanding nuclear arsenal. However, China has so far dismissed calls to participate in such negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia has suggested that any prospective agreement should also involve the United States’ allies, such as the UK and France, to ensure a more comprehensive approach to arms control.