Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed a willingness to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) for one year, contingent on a similar agreement from U.S. President Donald Trump. With the treaty set to expire on February 5, 2026, tensions stemming from the Ukraine conflict have stalled discussions on its renewal. Putin emphasized that maintaining the treaty’s numerical limits is crucial for global non-proliferation and future dialogue regarding arms control, asserting that this extension should not lead to any actions that could disrupt the existing balance of deterrent capabilities. This development underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions and the importance of diplomatic engagement in nuclear arms control, especially as other nations, including China, become increasingly influential in global security dynamics.