Russia breaking nuclear warhead limits? Foreign Ministry has the answer

Moscow proceeds from the assumption that the parties to the Russian-U.S. Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START) are no longer bound by the treaty’s obligations and are free to choose their subsequent steps, a Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“An official U.S. response to Russia’s initiative through bilateral channels has still not been received. … From a practical standpoint, our country views this development as a given that must be taken into account when determining Russia’s further policy in this area,” the statement said in connection with the expiration of New START, Caliber.Az reports, citing Sputnik Armenia.

The ministry clarified that public comments from the U.S. side do not provide grounds to conclude that Washington is ready to follow the course of action in the New START sphere proposed by Moscow.

“Essentially, our ideas have been deliberately left unanswered. Such an approach appears erroneous and is regrettable,” the Foreign Ministry concluded.

The ministry stressed that Russia remains consistently ready to take decisive countermeasures to neutralise threats to its security. After the termination of New START, Moscow will act responsibly and prudently, analysing U.S. steps in this sphere. At the same time, Russia remains open to searching for ways to stabilise the strategic situation.

The Treaty between Russia and the United States on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START, or START III) expires on February 5, 2026. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is prepared to continue adhering to New START limits for one year after the treaty’s expiration.

The Kremlin has previously warned that the expiration of New START would have a negative impact on strategic security, adding that Russia’s proposal remains on the table.

By Khagan Isayev