Russia has asserted that its nuclear arsenal plays a crucial role in preventing the world from descending into a major global conflict. This statement comes amid growing concerns about the future of international arms control, particularly following the end of the New START treaty. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that as the global security framework weakens, nuclear weapons remain the “only” deterrent against large-scale warfare.
The New START treaty, which expired in February, had been a significant arms control agreement between Russia and the United States, limiting both nations to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each. With its expiration, Peskov cautioned that the absence of nuclear deterrence could heighten the risk of broader conflicts. He also noted the potential for future non-nuclear technologies to evolve into threats comparable to nuclear weapons in their destructive capabilities.
The collapse of the New START treaty has sparked fears of a new arms race among major global powers. This treaty, initially signed in 2010, was the last significant agreement constraining the nuclear arsenals of Russia and the U.S., marking a critical component of international arms control efforts.
In response to the treaty’s expiration, U.S. President Donald Trump has advocated for a new arms control agreement that would include China, whose nuclear capabilities are on the rise. However, Beijing has resisted calls to participate in such negotiations. Meanwhile, Moscow has suggested that any future agreements should also encompass U.S. allies, including the UK and France.