United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of heightened nuclear risks as the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) expired on February 4, 2026, urging immediate negotiations between Russia and the United States to establish a new framework.
In a statement released Wednesday, Guterres described the treaty's lapse as a "grave moment" for global security, marking the first time in over 50 years without binding limits on the world's two largest nuclear arsenals. New START, signed in 2010, had capped deployed strategic warheads at 1,550 for both nations while enabling verification mechanisms.
"The risk of nuclear weapon use is now the highest in decades," Guterres said, emphasizing that the collapse of arms control comes amid rising geopolitical tensions. He acknowledged recent statements from Moscow and Washington affirming the need to prevent unchecked proliferation but stressed that "words must translate into action."
The UN chief called for a "reset" in arms control tailored to modern challenges, including emerging technologies and shifting security dynamics. Analysts note that bilateral trust remains low following recent disputes over Ukraine and cybersecurity, complicating swift progress.
As global stakeholders await next steps, pressure mounts on both powers to prioritize stability. "The world cannot afford a return to unconstrained nuclear competition," Guterres concluded. "This is a moment for leadership, not brinkmanship."
