The nuclear weapons treaty between the two world poles, the United States and Russia, signed during Ronald Reagan's tenure, will expire in the next few days. This poses a significant question as to which direction the world will move next.
This time, the Arms Control Treaty, the main weapons treaty, between the world's two most powerful countries, America and Russia, will end. Now, for the first time since the Cold War, a nuclear arms race may begin in the world. According to a report published on the Politico website, Russia had indicated in September last year that it would form a new treaty, but there was no response from the US. The New START Treaty will expire on Thursday. It was signed in 2010. In this, both countries had fixed the number of nuclear weapons. This included missiles, bombers, and warheads.
China and Russia are increasing their stockpile of nuclear weapons.
The treaty expires at a time when the world is experiencing a tense situation. China and Russia are strategically increasing their weapons stockpiles, while Russia has threatened to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. According to Politico, two people familiar with the matter and another person speaking on condition of anonymity said the Defense Ministry has held several meetings regarding the world after the treaty's expiration. Details of these meetings are currently unknown.
"We're looking at an uncertain path," said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association. "If the two countries don't reach a consensus, they will begin adding more warheads to their missiles." While Russia has increased its nuclear capabilities over the past decade, China has also doubled its stockpile. However, the United States has made some reductions.
Does Trump want to make some kind of new agreement?
Trump has indicated he wants a new agreement, but he wants to include China. Furthermore, Putin's proposal in September would have extended the agreement by one year but would have prohibited weapons inspections. Putin is demanding that Britain and France also participate in a follow-up treaty. Both countries could launch nuclear missiles from submarines or use fighter jets to shoot them down. However, China has refused to participate in an arms control treaty.
The US has stated that Trump will determine the future strategy for nuclear arms control. He will do so according to his own timeline. Furthermore, in an interview with the NYT, he stated that there will be a great deal. If this one ends, so be it. We will find a better deal.
Russia and America will be without a nuclear treaty; Europe may also compete.
The termination of this treaty will virtually eliminate any nuclear arms control treaty between the two countries, which has existed since the time of former US President Ronald Reagan. What lies ahead is speculation that, for the first time in decades, Europe could also join the arms race, potentially proliferating or producing weapons. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has begun discussions about establishing a nuclear power plant on the continent. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has stated that he has initiated diplomatic talks with France and the UK to develop nuclear capabilities.
