Why is it in the news?
The new START Treaty expired on 5 February 2026.
Ends last binding US–Russia nuclear arms control framework.
Category: International Relations
Important Points:
● New START expired on 5 February 2026
● Last binding nuclear arms treaty between US and Russia
● No legal limits on strategic nuclear weapons since 1972
● New START signed in 2010, in force from 2011
● Extended in 2021 till 2026
● Russia suspended participation in 2023
● Inspections and data sharing halted
● Limits: 700 deployed ICBMs, SLBMs and bombers
● Limit: 1,550 nuclear warheads
● US and Russia hold 87% of world nuclear warheads