Russia has confirmed that the United States has not replied to a proposal from President Vladimir Putin regarding the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), leaving the future of nuclear arms control uncertain.
The news comes from Yury Ushakov, Putin’s aide on international affairs, who spoke to TASS earlier this week.
A Proposal Left Hanging
On September 22, 2025, Moscow proposed a one-year voluntary extension of the treaty’s central quantitative limits, describing the measure as a self-restraint effort.
“We proposed to the Americans to extend the central limits for one year as voluntary self-restraints.
However, no official response has been received so far,” Ushakov said.
The Russian aide emphasized that discussions about the treaty’s impending expiration were also part of a recent conversation between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to Ushakov, Russia is committed to acting in a “balanced and responsible manner based on an analysis of the situation,” signaling caution rather than abrupt action.
Washington Signals Interest, But China Pushes Back
On the American side, reports surfaced on February 2, citing the Financial Times, that President Donald Trump intends to maintain nuclear arms limitations.
Trump is reportedly keen on involving China in future arms control negotiations, broadening the scope of traditional US-Russia arms talks.
China, however, has firmly rejected the idea.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the proposal unreasonable and refused to join such discussions under the current circumstances, leaving a potential stumbling block in efforts to modernize global arms agreements.
Russia’s Conditional Offer
Putin had already indicated that Russia would be willing to continue observing the treaty’s terms after February 5, 2026, but only if the United States reciprocated.
The lack of a reply from Washington has left this conditional arrangement in limbo, adding to global uncertainty over strategic nuclear limits.
Rising Tensions Amid Uncertainty
The absence of clarity from Washington comes at a time of growing security tensions worldwide.
Analysts note that without a renewed or extended treaty, both Russia and the United States could face a period of strategic instability, raising concerns about the risks of an unchecked nuclear arms race.
What Comes Next
As February 5, 2026, approaches, all eyes are on Washington for a formal response.
Moscow has signaled patience but also preparedness, leaving the door open for dialogue while emphasizing that any unilateral moves will be carefully measured.
The international community continues to watch closely, aware that the next steps could shape nuclear diplomacy for years to come.
