The Kremlin has asserted that nuclear weapons are the sole deterrent keeping the world from spiraling into a significant global conflict, amid rising apprehension about the state of international arms control. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, highlighted the diminishing strength of the global security framework following the lapse of the New START treaty between Russia and the United States. This treaty, which concluded in February, had placed restrictions on the number of deployed nuclear warheads that both countries could maintain.
Peskov cautioned that the absence of nuclear deterrence might elevate the chances of a broader conflict. He also pointed out the potential for future advancements in non-nuclear technologies, which could eventually match the destructive power of nuclear weapons. The expiration of New START has sparked fears of a renewed arms race among the world’s leading powers.
Originally signed in 2010, the New START treaty had set a cap on Russia and the United States, allowing each to deploy no more than 1,550 nuclear warheads. It represented the last significant agreement limiting the nuclear arsenals of the two nations. With its collapse, concerns have intensified over the possibility of escalating tensions and military buildups.
In response to the treaty’s expiration, former U.S. President Donald Trump advocated for a new arms control agreement that would also include China, whose nuclear capabilities are on the rise. However, Beijing has dismissed these calls to participate in such negotiations. Meanwhile, Moscow has suggested that any future deal should encompass not only Russia and the United States but also U.S. allies like the United Kingdom and France.