The Kremlin has emphasized that nuclear weapons serve as the primary deterrent against the outbreak of a significant global conflict, amid escalating concerns regarding international arms control. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Russian government, highlighted the deteriorating global security landscape following the lapse of the New START treaty, an agreement between Russia and the United States that expired earlier this year in February. This treaty had previously constrained the number of deployed nuclear warheads both nations could maintain.
In his remarks, Peskov underscored the potential dangers posed by the absence of nuclear deterrence, suggesting that the risk of a broader conflict could escalate without it. He also pointed to the possibility that future advancements in non-nuclear technology might achieve levels of destructiveness comparable to nuclear weapons, further complicating global security dynamics.
The termination of the New START treaty has sparked apprehensions about the onset of a new arms race among the world’s major powers. Originally signed in 2010, the agreement was pivotal in capping the number of deployed nuclear warheads for both Russia and the United States at 1,550 each. It stood as the final substantial accord governing their nuclear arsenals, and its dissolution marks a significant shift in international arms control efforts.
In light of these developments, former U.S. President Donald Trump advocated for a new arms control treaty that would encompass China, noting the significant growth in Beijing’s nuclear capabilities. However, China has dismissed invitations to engage in such discussions. Meanwhile, Russian officials have asserted that any future agreements should also include U.S. allies like the United Kingdom and France, further complicating the prospects for a comprehensive multilateral arms control framework.