The State Duma assessed the threat from the expiration of the START Treaty
The expiration of the Strategic Offensive Arms Reduction Treaty (START Treaty) between Russia and the United States is another round of escalation. Andrei Kolesnik, a member of the State Duma's defense committee, said this on Thursday, February 5.
"There was at least some faint understanding that a nuclear war and an arms race would not begin. Because an arms race always leads to escalation, and we already have plenty of it. [US President Donald] Trump said that he would come up with some other new agreement, but so far these are just words," the deputy said in an interview with Lenta.Ru .
According to the parliamentarian, the expiration of the START Treaty does not mean that a nuclear war is about to begin.
"But he created some kind of calmness. Well, now everything is in limbo," Kolesnik believes.
Earlier in the day, Axios wrote that Russia and the United States may soon extend the Agreement on Measures to Further Reduce and Limit Strategic Offensive Arms. 360.ru .
On February 4, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported that the United States had not given an official response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for countries to voluntarily comply with the START Treaty restrictions for at least a year after the termination of the agreement, RT reports.
Russian Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said on February 4 that the Russian side would act in a balanced and responsible manner after the START Treaty expires. He also noted that the path to a negotiated settlement to ensure strategic stability remains open.
Last September, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Russia's readiness to adhere to the restrictions under the START Treaty for another year after February 5, 2026. In turn, the American leader Donald Trump called Russia's proposal on the START Treaty a good idea.
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