The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) encourages the United States and the Russian Federation to continue to abide by New START’s limits on intercontinental-range nuclear weapons past its scheduled expiration on February 5, 2026. NTI also supports the two countries resuming routine data exchanges on each other’s nuclear forces and meetings of the Bilateral Consultative Commission as a forum for dialogue and avoiding misinterpretation.
With these steps, President Trump can create positive momentum to pursue further steps to reduce nuclear risks, including with China. Negotiations on how to continue New START limits for an additional year should begin immediately, as should talks with Russia and China on avoiding a dangerous arms race. We are encouraged that President Trump reiterated his longstanding support for verifiable limits on nuclear arsenals in the interview.
The tense geopolitical environment and the looming expiration of the last remaining guardrails on U.S. and Russian nuclear forces is a perilous mix, underscoring the imperative to act now.
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"Testing nuclear weapons is unnecessary for U.S. national security, unwise because it will invite our adversaries to do the same, and unwelcome in communities close to the test site," said Moniz.
At a time of rising global tensions and rapid technological change, NTI continues to deepen its international partnerships and promote productive dialogue on nuclear risk reduction efforts.
NTI engaged in activities to advance practical nuclear risk reduction measures and strengthen the global disarmament and nonproliferation architecture.
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