Hot Topic № 11 (22), 2025. President Vladimir Putin Proposed to Maintain the START Treaty Limits: A Step Towards Stabilisation or a New Challenge?

President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to extend the limits of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) for one year after its expiry in February 2026 is an important, symbolic, and timely initiative. It shows that Russia remains open to discussing and implementing ideas related to arms control and is not seeking an arms race or confrontation. If the United States accepts this proposal, then:

Firstly, the limits set by New START will stay in place for at least another year, which is beneficial, as it improves transparency and predictability in strategic stability.

Secondly, this gives both sides time – if there is enough political will – to develop an agreement or a series of agreements to replace New START.

There is a possibility that the U.S. will accept Russia’s proposal. The initial response of White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, who called Putin’s initiative “quite good” and said that President Donald Trump plans to address this issue personally, suggests a positive outlook.

However, it is crucial to remember that many obstacles could prevent this initiative from succeeding – from the ongoing confrontation over Ukraine to several U.S. defence programmes that concern Russia (such as the development of the next-generation missile defence system “Golden Dome”), as well as the efforts of U.S. hawks to include China in negotiations between Russia and the U.S. at any cost.

Nonetheless, for all advocates of arms control, 22 September 2025 will now be a significant day.

Keywords: Strategic Stability; Russia-U.S.; Arms Control

AC

E16/SHAH – 25/09/22