New START Nuclear Treaty Between US and Russia Expires

The expiration of the New START Treaty marks the end of the last remaining arms control agreement limiting US and Russian deployed nuclear arsenals. The development has drawn statements from international officials and governments regarding future arms control efforts.

The New START Treaty, which had been in force between the United States and Russia, expired on February 5, 2026. This treaty set limits on the number of deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems for both countries and included verification measures.

Under the treaty, each nation was restricted to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed delivery systems, such as missiles and bombers. Verification protocols were established to monitor compliance with these limits.

What the numbers show

• The treaty capped deployed warheads at 1,550 per country
• Each side was limited to 700 deployed delivery systems
• The agreement expired on February 5, 2026

In September 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to continue observing the treaty’s limits for one additional year if the United States also agreed to do so. This proposal was made in the months leading up to the treaty’s expiration.

Following the expiration, Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated that the parties are no longer bound by any obligations under the treaty. The ministry also said that both countries are now free to determine their own approaches to nuclear arms limits.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the expiration as a “grave moment for international peace and security” and encouraged the negotiation of a new arms control framework. The Secretary-General highlighted the importance of continued dialogue on nuclear arms control.

President Trump has declined to extend the treaty, stating that any future arms control agreement must include China. According to available information, China has not agreed to participate in such agreements, despite the growth of its nuclear arsenal.

Without the treaty in place, experts have stated that both the United States and Russia could increase the number of warheads deployed on missiles and bombers. In a maximal scenario, this could result in a doubling of deployed arsenals by each side.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.