Russia says it will stick to limits of expired nuclear treaty if US does
Summary
Russia announced it will adhere to the limits on nuclear weapons from the expired New START treaty with the U.S. as long as the U.S. does the same. The treaty's expiration means that there are no binding restraints on nuclear arms for the first time in over 50 years. Both countries are considering creating new arms control agreements, with the U.S. wanting China to be involved.Key Facts
- Russia and the U.S. agreed to follow the limits from the expired New START treaty if both sides comply.
- The New START treaty ended recently, leaving no current rules limiting U.S. and Russia's nuclear weapons.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia will not increase its nuclear weapons unless the U.S. exceeds limits.
- President Donald Trump did not agree to extend New START, preferring a new treaty instead.
- The U.S. wants China to join new arms control talks due to its growing nuclear arsenal.
- China has about 600 nuclear warheads, far fewer than the U.S. and Russia, both of which have around 4,000.
- Current arms control talks may include other countries like the UK and France, if China is involved.
- The original New START treaty reduced each country's nuclear weapons to 1,550 deployed warheads and included inspections.
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