Putin: No desire for arms race, but openness to new arms dialogue

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that the nuclear arms control system had been destroyed and that strategic stability in the world continued to deteriorate.

He emphasized that although Russia faced new risks, it was prepared to respond and had no interest in an arms race.

At a meeting of the Russian Security Council, Putin also announced that Moscow was prepared to comply with the terms of the New START agreement for another year after its expiration, provided that the United States took the same step.

The treaty limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems that both powers are allowed to deploy. It expires on February 5, 2026.

According to Putin, the Russian initiative could pave the way for a new strategic dialogue with Washington.

(reuters, sab)