Currently, the U.S. has 5,277 nuclear weapons, and Russia has 5,449 nuclear weapons. The New START Treaty, in force since 2011, is the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the U.S. and Russia. It is set to expire in less than one month on Feb. 5, 2026. This treaty is the only mechanism that currently caps the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems for both nations.
Despite political tensions, a rare window of agreement has opened. Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly stated that “Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START Treaty for one year” after the expiration date. President Trump has noted that this proposal sounds like a “good idea.” However, with less than one month remaining, no formal diplomatic process has begun.
The ball is currently in the United States’ court. Extending the treaty by one year is a strategic necessity. It maintains critical transparency and stability while preventing an unconstrained arms race with Russia. Both sides are incentivized to make this happen, but without immediate action from Washington to formalize the agreement, the treaty will lapse by default.
Contact President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Urge them to begin formal talks to renew the New START Treaty before the Feb. 5 deadline. President Trump: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact Tel: 202-456-1111. Sec. of State Rubio: secretary@state.gov.
Lois Barber
Amherst