As the New START treaty reaches its expiration on 5 February 2024, Russia’s officials contend the world faces a significant shift in nuclear arms control. With no formal agreement in place, this marks the first time in over 50 years that major nuclear powers like the United States and Russia will operate without constraints on their arsenals.
Moscow’s Stance
In a recent statement, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed that Russia is prepared for this “new moment, a new reality”. His remarks were made during a visit to Beijing for strategic discussions, emphasising that without last-minute negotiations, both nations will be free to expand their long-range nuclear capabilities.
Concerns Over Arms Control
- New START, introduced in 2010, limited both sides to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads.
- Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, warned this situation should raise alarms globally.
- Without such treaties, the risk of an arms race increases, along with diminishing trust and verification mechanisms.
The US Perspective
Former President Barack Obama, who was instrumental in establishing the treaty, stated that the expiration could unravel decades of diplomatic efforts, increasing global insecurity. He urged Congress to intervene before the treaty expires to ensure limits on warheads remain.
Future Implications
Should both countries proceed without an agreement, fears arise that the intricate framework established post-Cuban Missile Crisis, aimed at reducing nuclear warfare risks, could completely unravel. According to judgments from military and political analysts, the lack of arms control might lead to heightened tensions not only between the US and Russia but also complicate relations with other nuclear nations, such as China, which has remained non-committal about joining arms talks.
Final Thoughts
Moscow’s readiness reflects a broader apprehension about the future of global security amidst rising hostilities and uncertainties in international relations. As the clock ticks down to February 5, the world watches anxiously to see how these developments will unfold.