Russia Offers One-Year Extension of New START Treaty Limits Amid Rising Nuclear Tensions

Russia Proposes Reciprocal Adherence to Nuclear Limits

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, that the Russian Federation is prepared to continue observing the numerical limits of the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty for an additional year, contingent on reciprocal action from the United States. This offer aims to prevent an unconstrained arms race and allow for further diplomatic efforts towards a successor agreement.

Lavrov emphasized that this proposed one-year extension of numerical limits does not necessitate complex negotiations or consultations. Instead, he suggested that Washington merely needs to state its commitment to not increasing the quantitative levels set by the treaty for the specified period. This reiteration follows an initial proposal made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in September 2025.

The New START Treaty: A Critical Overview

The New START Treaty, formally known as the 'Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms,' was signed on April 8, 2010, in Prague and entered into force on February 5, 2011. It stands as the last remaining major arms control agreement between the world's two largest nuclear powers.

The treaty imposes verifiable limits on the strategic offensive arsenals of both nations, specifically capping:

• 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads for each party.
• 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments.
• 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers, and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments.

Originally set for a 10-year duration with an option for a five-year extension, the treaty was extended in 2021 until February 4, 2026 (or February 5, 2026, depending on the source). Its impending expiration has raised concerns about global strategic stability.

Suspension of Participation and Verification

Despite the treaty's importance, Russia suspended its participation in New START on February 21, 2023, citing tensions with the United States. However, Moscow clarified that it would continue to abide by the numerical limits outlined in the agreement. Subsequently, in June 2023, the United States also suspended its implementation of the treaty's verification provisions, while similarly committing to adhere to the numerical limits.

The treaty's verification regime, which historically included satellite monitoring and 18 on-site inspections per year, has been a cornerstone of transparency and confidence-building. The suspension of these measures has reduced direct oversight, though both nations are believed to use national technical means to monitor compliance.

US Response and Broader Context

The United States has acknowledged President Putin's proposal to maintain New START restrictions beyond February 2026, with Moscow being informed through diplomatic channels that the matter is 'under consideration.' However, a substantive response from Washington has not yet been received. Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously commented on Putin's September offer, stating it 'sounds like a good idea to me.'

The offer comes amidst heightened nuclear tensions, exacerbated by recent test-firings of unarmed nuclear-capable missiles by both the US and Russia. Foreign Minister Lavrov also issued a warning that Russia would resume nuclear testing if any other nuclear power were to do so first. The outcome of this proposal is critical for the future of nuclear arms control and international security.