Putin proposes temporary nuclear pact to Trump that would extend status quo by 1 year

The treaty, which is the last agreement limiting nuclear weapons between the two countries, is due to expire on 5 February, 2026. It restricts each side to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads — weapons designed to strike major military, political and economic targets. Both sides are expected to exceed these limits if the pact is not renewed.

Speaking at a meeting of his Security Council, Putin said Russia was ready to keep following the treaty’s limits for an additional year, provided Washington did the same.

“Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START Treaty for one year after 5 February 2026,” he said. “Subsequently, based on an analysis of the situation, we will make a decision on whether to maintain these voluntary self-imposed restrictions. We believe that this measure will only be viable if the United States acts in a similar manner and does not take steps that undermine or violate the existing balance of deterrence capabilities.”

Putin said the move was aimed at supporting global non-proliferation and encouraging dialogue with Washington on arms control.

The proposal marks a shift in Moscow’s stance, as Russia had previously linked arms talks to an improvement in wider US-Russia relations, which have been strained by the war in Ukraine.

There was no immediate response from Washington.

With just over four months until the treaty expires, the two countries have yet to begin negotiations on either an extension or a replacement. Trump has previously expressed interest in a new deal that would also include China, but Beijing has rejected that idea.

Putin also said Moscow would closely watch US missile defence plans and any efforts to deploy interceptors in space. “We will proceed on the basis that the practical implementation of such destabilising actions could nullify our efforts to maintain the status quo in the field of START,” he said. “We will respond accordingly.”