Putin proposes one-year reciprocal extension of New START limits

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that Moscow will voluntarily adhere to the numerical limits of the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty for one year after the accord expires in February, offering the United States reciprocity to avoid a new nuclear arms race. Speaking at a meeting of his Security Council, Putin said Russia would expect Washington to mirror Moscow's move and warned that letting the pact lapse without some agreement would damage global stability.

Putin framed the proposal as a limited, conditional extension. "Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START treaty for one year after February 5, 2026," he said, adding that Moscow would reassess the situation after that period before deciding whether to maintain the voluntary restrictions. He said the measure would only be viable if the United States acts in a similar manner and does not take steps that undermine the existing balance of deterrent capabilities.

New START, negotiated in 2010, caps each side at no more than 1,550 deployed strategic warheads and 700 deployed delivery systems, including missiles and heavy bombers, and provided for on site...