Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned that abandoning the legacy of the New START (New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) would be a grave misstep, as it remains the last international accord limiting nuclear missile capabilities.

Speaking during a meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council on Monday, Putin stressed that the treaty is set to expire on February 5, 2026. He noted that rejecting its legacy would erase the last framework that places direct limits on nuclear arms.

"The New START Treaty expires on February 5, 2026, which means the imminent disappearance of the last international agreement on direct limitations on nuclear missile capabilities. A complete rejection of the legacy of this agreement would be, from many perspectives, a mistaken and short-sighted step," he said.

Putin added that abandoning the accord would also negatively affect the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which underpins global nuclear arms control.

Russia ready to comply if US reciprocates

The Russian president underlined that Moscow is prepared to comply with restrictions under the New START Treaty, provided that Washington acts similarly.

"This measure [compliance with the restrictions in accordance with the New START] will become viable only on the condition that the United States acts in a similar manner and does not take steps that undermine or violate the existing balance of deterrent potentials," Putin stated.

He emphasized that Russia has no interest in fueling an arms race, instructing public bodies to closely monitor US activities related to strategic offensive arms, particularly any build-up in missile defense systems.

Concerns over US missile defense system

Putin warned that deploying elements of the US missile defense system in space could destabilize the strategic balance and undermine Russia’s efforts to maintain parity.

"We will proceed from the premise that the practical implementation of such destabilizing actions could nullify our country's efforts to maintain the status quo in the sphere of the New START Treaty," he cautioned.

Russia to honor restrictions one year after expiration

Looking ahead, Putin announced that Russia is ready to adhere to New START restrictions even after the treaty expires.

"Russia is prepared to continue to adhere to the central quantitative restrictions under the New START Treaty for one year after February 5, 2026," he told the Russian Security Council.

By maintaining compliance beyond the expiration date, Moscow signals its willingness to preserve stability in nuclear arms control, if the United States reciprocates.