New START Treaty Expiration Ends Limits on U.S. and Russian Warheads

The expiration of the New START nuclear arms control treaty has brought an end to formal limits on deployed strategic warheads held by the United States and Russia. The treaty had served as a cornerstone of bilateral arms control, providing verification measures and transparency that reduced the risk of miscalculation between the two nuclear powers.

With the framework no longer in force, analysts warn of increased uncertainty surrounding force postures and modernization plans. While both countries possess extensive national monitoring capabilities, the absence of inspections and data exchanges raises concerns about trust and stability. Officials have acknowledged the importance of dialogue but have offered differing views on pathways forward.

International observers fear that the lapse could weaken the broader arms control architecture and complicate nonproliferation efforts. Calls have intensified for renewed engagement or alternative arrangements to manage strategic risks. The development highlights the challenges facing nuclear governance amid strained relations and evolving security dynamics.