U.S. and Russia Move to Keep New START Limits After Expiry

According to multiple sources familiar with the discussions, U.S. and Russian officials have agreed to continue abiding by the core provisions of New START even after the treaty formally expires on Thursday. The arrangement would not constitute a legal extension but would rely on mutual adherence while talks on a successor agreement proceed.

A U.S. official said both sides agreed to “operate in good faith” and begin discussions on how the treaty could be updated. However, the draft plan still requires final approval from U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Abu Dhabi Talks and Diplomatic Context

Negotiations took place over the past 24 hours in Abu Dhabi, on the sidelines of discussions related to the war in Ukraine. President Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, led the talks with Russian officials.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously signaled openness to a short-term extension, Russia’s foreign ministry issued a critical statement earlier this week claiming Moscow’s proposals had gone unanswered.

Why New START Matters?

New START is the last remaining arms control agreement limiting the nuclear arsenals of the world’s two largest nuclear powers, which together possess roughly 85 percent of global nuclear warheads.

The treaty caps the number of deployed nuclear warheads on submarines, intercontinental ballistic missiles and heavy bombers, while also providing transparency measures such as inspections and data exchanges.

China Factor Shapes U.S. Position

The White House has long expressed reservations about extending New START due to its exclusion of China, whose nuclear arsenal, though smaller, is expanding rapidly.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated this position, saying meaningful arms control in the modern era cannot exclude Beijing. China, however, has shown no interest in joining any agreement that would constrain its nuclear forces.

Trump held a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, though arms control was not mentioned in the official readout.

What Comes Next?

Although the treaty will expire as scheduled, both sides appear intent on maintaining its constraints temporarily. Final approval from Trump and Putin remains the key step in determining whether the informal continuation will hold.