Calls From U.S. Media for Trump to Accept Putin’s Offer to Extend Strategic Arms Treaty to Avoid Nuclear Arms Race
American media outlets have urged former President Donald Trump to agree to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).
The American Conservative newspaper explained that rejecting the offer from Washington could escalate the arms race between the two countries, with hundreds of billions spent on nuclear arsenals that may never be used. It warned that the worst-case scenario could lead to the use of these weapons, resulting in mutual destruction.
The report emphasized that Trump should resist internal political pressures from some parties, including neoconservatives, and accept Moscow’s proposal to achieve strategic stability.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced last September that Russia is ready to adhere to the treaty’s restrictions for an additional year after February 5, 2026, indicating that compliance would be effective if the United States responded positively.
The New START treaty entered into force on February 5, 2011, aiming to reduce the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles and certain other missiles and nuclear warheads for both Russia and the United States.
In recent years, relations concerning the treaty have been tense, with Russia accusing Washington of violating its terms and obstructing inspections. In February 2023, Putin announced a temporary suspension of Moscow’s participation in the treaty while retaining the right to return to negotiations.
Putin stresses that any future negotiations must take into account other nuclear powers in NATO, such as the United Kingdom and France, before a final decision is made on extending the treaty.
