World faces heightened nuclear threat as last arms control pact between superpowers ends
Washington, USA | Web Desk: The New START Treaty, the last major nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, officially expired this Thursday, leaving no global framework to limit nuclear weapons.
Signed in 2010, the treaty capped the number of nuclear warheads and intercontinental ballistic missiles for both nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a one-year extension in September, which initially received a positive response from former U.S. President Donald Trump, but no formal progress followed.
According to Russian officials, Moscow has yet to receive a serious response from Washington, though it remains open for dialogue. U.S. authorities have suggested that any future treaty may also involve China, reflecting an evolving approach to nuclear limitations.
Experts warn that the treaty’s expiration could reignite a nuclear arms race between the two superpowers. The symbolic Doomsday Clock has already been moved closer to midnight, signaling global concern over escalating threats.
The lapse follows Russia’s 2023 suspension of nuclear facility inspections under New START, while Trump had previously suggested restarting nuclear tests in the U.S., highlighting growing tensions in international arms control.
