Russia’s Nuclear Power Development Remains Top Priority Post New START Treaty Expiration, Putin States

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in a video message for Defender of the Fatherland Day that the development of the nuclear triad, which guarantees Russia’s security and provides effective strategic deterrence and global power balance, will remain Moscow’s absolute priority. Putin also stressed the ongoing enhancement of Russia’s army and navy capabilities, referencing the military experiences gained from the four-year conflict in Ukraine. He noted that all branches of the armed forces will be strengthened in terms of “combat readiness,” “mobility,” and “ability to carry out operational missions in difficult conditions.” The New START treaty, signed in 2010, was the last arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow, setting a ceiling of 800 launch platforms and 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads for each party. The treaty’s expiration on February 5th signifies a transition to a less regulated nuclear regime. Notably, Washington did not respond to the Russian President’s proposal for a one-year extension of the caps on each party’s nuclear arsenal. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had described the expiration of the New START treaty as a “critical moment” for international peace and security.