Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated on Monday that the United States has yet to formally respond to Moscow's proposal for extending key provisions of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which expired on February 5, 2026. The statement was made during a video address to the Moscow Nonproliferation Conference, where Lavrov emphasized the growing complexity of global arms control frameworks.
Lavrov noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously suggested both nations voluntarily maintain the treaty’s limits on deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, heavy bombers, and associated nuclear warheads. However, Washington’s silence has raised concerns about the future of bilateral nuclear disarmament efforts.
The expiration of New START, a cornerstone of post-Cold War security, leaves a critical gap in mutual transparency measures. Analysts warn that prolonged inaction could destabilize strategic stability, particularly as global tensions persist in regions like the Taiwan Strait and the Korean Peninsula.
With the 2026 deadline now passed, diplomatic channels remain open but strained. Observers stress that renewed dialogue is essential to prevent an unchecked arms race, a scenario with far-reaching implications for Asia-Pacific security and beyond.
