Russia and US Agree to Start Nuclear Arms Control Talks

Negotiators from both countries discuss expiration of last nuclear pact

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Negotiators from Russia and the United States have discussed the expiration of the last nuclear pact between the two countries and agreed on the need to quickly start new negotiations on nuclear arms control, according to Russian and U.S. officials.

Why it matters

The expiration of the last nuclear arms control treaty between the world's two largest nuclear powers raises concerns about a potential new arms race and the risk of miscalculation leading to conflict. Restarting negotiations is seen as crucial to maintaining stability and reducing nuclear threats.

The details

The discussions took place in an unspecified location and involved senior officials from both countries. They focused on the New START treaty, which is set to expire in 2026 and limits the number of strategic nuclear weapons that Russia and the U.S. can deploy. Both sides agreed on the need to begin new talks to replace the expiring agreement.

  • The New START treaty is set to expire in 2026.

The players

Russia

One of the world's largest nuclear powers and a key geopolitical rival of the United States.

United States

The world's other largest nuclear power and a key geopolitical rival of Russia.

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What’s next

The two countries will need to agree on the scope and timeline for the new nuclear arms control negotiations in the coming months.

The takeaway

The expiration of the last major nuclear arms control treaty between the US and Russia raises the risk of a new arms race, underscoring the critical importance of both sides restarting negotiations to replace it and maintain strategic stability.