Russia has asserted that nuclear weapons serve as the sole deterrent against a significant global conflict, amid growing apprehension about the future of international arms control. This statement comes from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who highlighted the weakening global security system following the expiration of the New START treaty between Russia and the United States. The treaty, which concluded in February, had imposed limits on the number of deployed nuclear warheads that the two nations could maintain.
Peskov emphasized the role of nuclear deterrence in maintaining global peace, warning that its absence could elevate the risk of broader conflicts. He also suggested that emerging non-nuclear technologies might soon possess destructive capabilities comparable to nuclear arms. This perspective underscores the potential for accelerating advancements in military technology to shift the dynamics of global security.
The termination of the New START treaty has sparked fears regarding a potential new arms race among major world powers. Initially signed in 2010, the treaty restricted both Russia and the United States to a maximum of 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each, marking it as the last significant accord regulating their nuclear arsenals. The absence of this framework has left a void in international arms control efforts, raising concerns about unchecked nuclear proliferation.
Amid these developments, former U.S. President Donald Trump advocated for a fresh arms control agreement that would encompass China, whose nuclear capabilities are on the rise. However, China has thus far resisted joining such negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia has contended that any future agreement should also involve U.S. allies like the United Kingdom and France, broadening the scope of international participation in arms control discussions.