Russia has emphasized the role of nuclear weapons as the sole deterrent against a major global conflict, amid growing apprehensions regarding the future of international arms control. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed concerns over the weakening global security framework following the lapse of the New START treaty between Russia and the United States. This treaty, which expired in February, had imposed limits on the number of deployed nuclear warheads for both nations.
Peskov cautioned that the absence of nuclear deterrence could heighten the risk of a broader conflict. He also highlighted the potential for emerging non-nuclear technologies to advance to the point where they could rival nuclear weapons in terms of destructive capability.
The termination of the New START treaty has stirred fears of a renewed arms race among major global powers. Originally signed in 2010, the agreement had capped the nuclear arsenals of Russia and the US to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each, and it stood as the final substantial accord restricting their nuclear capabilities.
Amid this backdrop, US President Donald Trump has advocated for a new arms control agreement that would incorporate China, whose nuclear arsenal has been expanding. However, Beijing has declined invitations to participate in such discussions. Meanwhile, Moscow has suggested that any forthcoming agreement should also include US allies, such as the UK and France.