Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness to extend the 'New START' nuclear arms reduction treaty with the U.S., contingent on reciprocal actions from the U.S. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions following Russian military provocations in European airspace.
Putin Signals Willingness to Extend Nuclear Arms Treaty
Putin Signals Willingness to Extend Nuclear Arms Treaty
Putin has indicated a willingness to extend the nuclear arms reduction treaty 'New START'. The treaty is set to expire in February next year, but this extension is contingent on the U.S. following Russia's lead.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the Russian Security Council, emphasizing the need to bolster Russia's defense capabilities due to the 'global situation', as reported by the state-controlled Russian news agency Ria Novosti.
– Russia is ready to respond to any threats, not just with words.
Potential to Limit Nuclear Weapons
Simultaneously, Putin announced that Russia could continue to limit the number of nuclear weapons for another year, despite the treaty with the U.S. expiring on February 5, 2026.
This would involve extending the 'New START' disarmament treaty between the Kremlin and the White House, which limits the countries' nuclear arsenals. The treaty is the last of its kind concerning arms control between the superpowers.
However, Putin expects the U.S. to reciprocate. Failure to do so would have 'negative consequences for global stability', according to him.
Multiple Russian Provocations
Putin's speech to the Russian Security Council follows several Russian provocations over European airspace. Most recently, on Friday, three Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for twelve minutes.
This prompted Estonia to invoke NATO's Article Four, which calls for urgent consultations when a member state feels threatened.
Moscow has denied any provocation, stating that the planes were on 'a regular flight entirely in accordance with international airspace rules and did not violate any other states' borders, as confirmed by objective monitoring'.
Sweden Dispatched Fighter Jets
Two days after the Russian incursion into Estonian airspace, another Russian military aircraft was identified over the Baltic Sea. Sweden and Germany dispatched fighter jets to identify and track the Russian reconnaissance plane.
Friday's violations over Estonia occurred less than a week after over 20 Russian drones breached Polish airspace, several of which were shot down. Later, a Russian drone intruded into Romania.