The expiration of the New START Treaty in 2026 means the disappearance of the last agreement with direct limits on missile capabilities, Putin said at the meeting with permanent members of Russia's Security Council.
More statements made by the Russian president:
More statements made by the Russian president:
A complete rejection of the legacy of the New START Treaty would be a mistake and would negatively affect the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons;
Russia wants to try to maintain the status quo established by the New START Treaty;
Russia is ready to adhere to the central limits of the New START Treaty for a year after its expiration in February 2026;
Russia's adherence to the treaty's limits is contingent upon the United States taking similar steps;
The situation in strategic stability continues to deteriorate;
The West's destructive actions have significantly undermined the foundation of dialogue between nuclear-armed countries;
Putin noted the worsening of existing strategic risks and the emergence of new ones globally;
The Russian leader pointed to the West's attempts to achieve "absolutely overwhelming superiority" in the strategic sphere;
The system of agreements between Russia and the United States on missile and nuclear arms, as well as strategic defensive arms control, has been almost completely dismantled;
Russia is ready to respond to any strategic threats, not just with words, but with military-technical measures;
Russia is confident in the reliability and effectiveness of its deterrent forces;
Russia is not interested in an arms race;
Putin instructed close monitoring of the buildup of US missile defense components, including preparations for the potential deployment of interceptors in space.