The New START Treaty is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia that was signed on April 8, 2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011. The treaty limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads, as well as the number of deployed and non-deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and heavy bombers equipped with nuclear armaments.
Under the terms of the treaty, each party is allowed a maximum of 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads, which is a reduction from the previous limit of 2,200. Additionally, each party is limited to 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and heavy bombers equipped with nuclear armaments.
The New START Treaty also includes provisions for transparency and verification, which allow both parties to monitor each other’s compliance with the treaty through inspections and data exchanges. The treaty is set to expire on February 5, 2026, unless it is extended by mutual agreement between the United States and Russia.
Russia’s Suspension from the treaty and challenges for the USA
Russia’s suspension and withdrawal from the New Start treaty opened new challenges for the USA. With this suspension, the access and examination, according to the New treaty, the USA will not be able to continue the check and balances off of nuclear heads, based on the land and seas which are used to launch nuclear arms.
The USA has assigned over 200 inspectors from the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and the State Department to verify Russia’s compliance with the New START Treaty. Despite Russia’s earlier announcement that it is willing to uphold the treaty, it no longer desires to do so, despite the USA’s destructive approach to arms control.
Cause of Russia’s Withdrawal
Approximately 90% of the world’s nuclear warheads are under the control of the United States and Russia. These two nations have signed the “New Start Treaty” to prevent the occurrence of nuclear war in the future. As part of the treaty, Russia has limited the inspection of its nuclear warheads by the USA. However, Russia has also warned the USA of violating the treaty due to its support for Ukraine and its desire to defeat Russia in the race for global dominance. The New Start Treaty is set to expire in 2026.
Effect of Russia’s withdrawal on the race for nuclear weapons
The news of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is alarming. Russia’s decision to withdraw from the treaty has raised concerns about its potential to increase its armaments. As the gravity of the situation intensifies, the prospect of a nuclear war cannot be ruled out. With Russia and the United States possessing the majority of the world’s weapons, Russia’s withdrawal from the treaty grants them the freedom to conduct new nuclear weapon tests, posing challenges for America and NATO.
