Less than One Month Left to Secure the NEW START Treaty
BACKGROUND: Currently, the US has 5,277 nuclear weapons, and Russia has 5,449 nuclear weapons. The New START Treaty, in force since 2011, is the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia. It is set to expire on February 5, 2026. This treaty is the only mechanism that currently caps the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems for both nations.
Despite political tensions, a rare window of agreement has opened. Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly stated that "Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START Treaty for one year” after the expiration date. President Trump has noted that this proposal sounds like a "good idea."
However, with less than one month remaining, no formal diplomatic process has begun. The ball is currently in the United States’ court. Extending the treaty by one year is a strategic necessity. It maintains critical transparency and stability while preventing an unconstrained arms race with Russia. This extension also gives the U.S. time to assess how to address China’s growing nuclear arsenal. Both sides are incentivized to make this happen, but without immediate action from Washington to formalize the agreement, the treaty will lapse by default.
ACTION: Contact President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio immediately. Urge them to capitalize on this opportunity and begin formal talks to renew the New START Treaty before the February deadline. Both the U.S. and Russia have expressed a willingness to extend these limits. There is no reason to delay a sensible, bipartisan win for national security.
CONTACT:
President Donald Trump
Tel: 202-456-1111
Mail: President Trump, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20500
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Email: secretary@state.gov
