Russia to maintain New START limits as long as US complies

On February 11, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Moscow will continue to respect the nuclear warhead and missile limits established by the New START treaty. This decision is contingent upon Washington maintaining the same limits. The 2010 treaty officially expired on February 5, 2026, marking the first time in over 50 years that the world's two largest nuclear powers are without binding restrictions. President Vladimir Putin had previously proposed a one-year voluntary extension of the limits, but U.S. President Donald Trump officially rejected the offer. Speaking to the State Duma, Lavrov clarified that Russia's moratorium remains in effect for now. Analysts suggest Russia aims to avoid a costly arms race with the U.S. and China while its budget is strained by four years of conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, Lavrov warned of military countermeasures should Western nations expand their military footprint in Greenland.