US-Russia Nuclear Treaty Lapses, Igniting Fears of New Arms Race

• The New START Treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms pact between the US and Russia, expired on Thursday.
• This marks the first time in over 50 years that there are no caps on the two largest atomic arsenals, raising fears of an unconstrained nuclear arms race.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin had offered to extend the treaty for another year, but US President Donald Trump remained noncommittal.
• Russia's Foreign Ministry stated that both parties are now free from obligations under the treaty and can choose their next steps.
• New START, signed in 2010, limited each side to 1,550 nuclear warheads and 700 missiles/bombers; it was extended once but inspections ceased during COVID-19.