Putin openly warns Trump about the use of nuclear weapons; draws China’s connection

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Russia will abide by the agreement with the United States limiting nuclear weapons for one more year. This agreement is the New START Treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the two countries.

Putin warned that the termination of the treaty would have adverse consequences for global stability. He expressed hope that the United States would similarly abide by the terms of the agreement. The agreement is set to expire on February 5, 2026. It limits the number of nuclear warheads, land- and submarine-launched missiles, and bombers possessed by the United States and Russia.

What did Putin say?
Putin said at a meeting of the Russian Security Council that Russia would abide by the key limits of the treaty for one year after February 5, 2026, but only if the United States did the same. He clarified that if the United States took steps that upset the balance or violated the rules, Russia would reconsider its decision.

Putin said, “We believe that this step will only be effective if the US behaves in a similar manner and does not take steps that would upset the current balance.” Discussions between the US and Russia have not yet begun on extending this treaty or on a new one. Relations between the two countries are further strained due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

What did Donald Trump say?
US President Donald Trump has previously stated that he wants to conclude a new nuclear arms control agreement that would also include China. Putin said that Russia’s one-year extension is an effort to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons globally and to initiate dialogue with the US.