End of the Last Nuclear Treaty Between the US and Russia
At midnight GMT on Thursday, the New START treaty officially ended. The deal limited the number of strategic nuclear weapons that the US and Russia could have. When it ends, the last legally binding nuclear limits between them are gone.
The treaty was signed in 2010 and went into effect in 2011. It limited the number of deployed strategic warheads to 1,550 for each side. There were also limits on delivery systems like missiles and bombers.
UN Chief Warns Of Dangerous New Era
António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, called the moment serious. He said that the world is entering a new strategic area. There are no longer any legally binding nuclear limits for the first time in decades.
He said that this news comes at a time when tensions between countries are high. It is more likely than ever that nuclear weapons will be used. The breakdown of restraint mechanisms poses significant security threats.
Source: The United Nation/Website
Verification And Stability Mechanisms Lost
Verification measures were part of New START to stop people from not trusting each other and making mistakes. These tools included data exchanges, notifications, and inspections that took place on-site. This level of openness made it less likely that there would be huge misunderstandings.
Decades of agreements to limit weapons helped keep relations between the superpowers stable. During and after the Cold War, frameworks helped people feel more sure of themselves. Their erosion weakens security systems that have been in place for a long time.
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Half Century Of Arms Control Tradition
Treaties limited arsenals, from the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks to New START. These deals slowly cut down on the number of nuclear weapons around the world. They also set up ways for organized diplomatic contact.
Guterres stressed that arms control has historically stopped terrible mistakes. Restraint mechanisms made it less likely that things would get out of hand. Their disappearance is a big blow to their strategy.
Opportunity To Reimagine Arms Control
The Secretary-General said there was a chance for new talks, even though there were risks. Leaders from both the US and Russia agreed that a nuclear arms race would be dangerous. Statements that acknowledge the risks for both sides create a diplomatic opening.
Guterres told both governments to follow through on their promises. To bring back verifiable limits, talks need to start right away. A new framework could lower risks in a security environment that is changing.
Global Security Faces Heightened Uncertainty
Most of the world’s nuclear weapons are in the hands of the US and Russia. If there are no limits, the pressures to modernize and grow may get stronger. When oversight structures are weaker, strategic unpredictability goes up.
Both friends and enemies are keeping a close eye on what happens. Multilateral nonproliferation efforts need the help of superpowers to work. If the stalemate goes on, it could weaken international norms as a whole.
Calls For Immediate Diplomatic Engagement
Guterres said that structured talks needed to start again right away. He stressed the need to restore stability and rebuild verification systems. A delay could make people more suspicious and speed up the arms race.
The expiration is a turning point for world peace and safety. Now, political will is what matters most in nuclear risk management. The world is waiting for both capitals to take strong action.
