All articles tagged with #nuclear arms
With the New START treaty expired, the Trump administration is weighing expanding the U.S. nuclear arsenal and potentially resuming underground tests, including increasing missile loadouts on Ohio-class submarines, a move that could spur a new arms race or pressure Russia and China toward a fresh treaty, though specifics remain unclear.
The expiration of the New START treaty leaves the United States and Russia without formal caps on deployed nuclear warheads, missiles, and launchers for the first time in decades, triggering fears of a faster, less predictable buildup and potential three-way competition with China; experts clash over the value of extending the limits vs pursuing a broader trilateral deal, with concerns about miscalculation and risk to allies if no interim arrangement is put in place.
With the New START treaty expiring, the U.S. and Russia would no longer be bound by caps on deployed nuclear arsenals, raising fears of an unconstrained arms race that could pull China into a growing strategic competition. Putin has signaled willingness to extend limits for a year if Washington does the same, but Trump has not committed, prompting experts to warn of destabilization and increased global risk unless a successor agreement is reached.
As the New START treaty nears its February 5 expiry, the US and Russia risk an unrestrained nuclear arms race unless they extend or replace limits; Putin has proposed a one-year extension, but Trump hasn’t committed, and China’s growing arsenal adds urgency while U.S. debate splits over how to respond and modernize forces.
In a wide-ranging interview with the New York Times, Donald Trump discussed his ongoing military operations in Venezuela, his interest in acquiring Greenland, his stance on Taiwan's security, the potential lapse of a US-Russia nuclear arms treaty, and his candid, sometimes conspiratorial demeanor, emphasizing a world order driven by national strength and military power.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism about the possibility of a nuclear arms control deal with the US during their upcoming summit in Alaska, praising the Trump administration's efforts to end the Ukraine war and discussing broader peace and strategic weapons agreements, amid ongoing tensions and negotiations.
Recent intelligence suggests Russia may be considering deploying a nuclear weapon in space, raising concerns about potential violations of the Outer Space Treaty and the ramifications of an orbital detonation. This development, along with Russia's suspension of the New START treaty and previous satellite destruction, has prompted worries about the security of satellites and the generation of space debris. Experts also highlight the potential for systemic threats, including cyberattacks and digital vulnerabilities. The White House and lawmakers have sought to address these concerns, emphasizing the need for careful handling of classified information and assurance of steady leadership.
The US and South Korea have agreed to cooperate on the potential use of nuclear arms in response to a North Korean attack. South Korea will have a greater voice in consultations, but the US will retain control over targeting and execution. In return, South Korea will not develop its own nuclear arsenal.