Trump Signals Willingness to Extend Nuclear Arms Control Deal with Russia

US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he was prepared to maintain a nuclear arms treaty between Washington and Moscow, following a proposal from his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for a one-year extension.

Speaking at the White House, Trump responded to a reporter’s question regarding Putin’s offer to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which is set to expire on 5 February 2026.

“Sounds like a good idea to me,” Trump remarked.

The New START treaty, signed in 2010, places limits on the nuclear arsenals of both countries. Key points include:

The treaty requires that intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and nuclear warheads remain within these agreed limits.

Despite its provisions, inspections have been suspended since Moscow halted participation two years ago amid the war in Ukraine and rising tensions with the West.

Earlier in January, Trump expressed interest in negotiated denuclearisation talks with both Moscow and Beijing. In addition, he has instructed the Pentagon to develop a major US missile defence system, known as Golden Dome.

Extending New START could stabilise US-Russia nuclear relations and maintain mutual transparency, although ongoing geopolitical tensions and halted inspections highlight significant hurdles in enforcing the treaty’s terms.