January 30, 2026 2:12 PM
What is the New START nuclear treaty and why does its expiry matter?
The last Russia-U.S. nuclear arms control treaty, known as New START, is due to expire on February 5. Here is a guide to the treaty and why it matters. WHO SIGNED NEW START, AND WHAT DOES IT SAY? New START was signed in 2010 by U.S. President Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, an ally of Vladimir Putin who served a single term as Russia's president. At the time, relations between the two countries were undergoing a "reset". The treaty came into force the following year. The treaty sets limits...