Treaty Status: Signed:
24 May 2002 in Moscow Ratified by the United States: 6 March 2003 Ratified by the Russian Federation: 14 May
2003 Entered into Force:
Treaty Summary:
The Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (Moscow
Treaty) obligates the United States and the Russian Federation to reduce the total
number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads to a level not exceeding
1,700-2,200 for each party. In contrast to earlier strategic arms control
treaties, it places no restrictions on the composition of individual components
of the two countries' nuclear triads, with the exception of reaffirming the
restrictions introduced in the START I treaty. The reductions are to be fully
implemented by 31 December 2012. The treaty also does not require either country
to eliminate any nuclear warheads or delivery vehicles, and introduces no new
verification provisions. It is to remain in force until 31 December 2012 and may
be extended or replaced by a different treaty upon mutual agreement. Either
party to the treaty may withdraw from it following a three-month notice.
{Entered 6/20/2002 MJ}
Overview
Treaty Summary
Nuclear Disarmament Treaties/Agreements