Russia has said that nuclear weapons remain the most important factor preventing the world from sliding into a large-scale global conflict. The statement comes months after the expiration of the last major nuclear arms control agreement between Russia and the United States, raising concerns about a new global arms race.
Speaking at a foreign policy forum in Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the international security framework is gradually weakening. According to him, nuclear deterrence continues to play a crucial role in maintaining global stability during a period of rising geopolitical tensions.
Russia Highlights Importance of Nuclear Deterrence
Peskov stated that nuclear weapons are currently the only reliable safeguard against a global war. He argued that despite growing military and political challenges around the world, the presence of nuclear deterrence has helped prevent direct confrontation between major powers.
He also pointed to rapid technological developments in warfare. According to Peskov, future non-nuclear weapons could become powerful enough to rival the destructive capabilities traditionally associated with nuclear arsenals.
His comments reflect Moscow’s growing concern over changes in the global security environment and the absence of updated arms control agreements between major nuclear powers.
New START Treaty Expired Earlier This Year
The discussion comes after the expiration of the New START treaty in February. The agreement had been the final remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and the United States.
Signed in 2010, the treaty placed limits on the number of deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems that both countries could maintain. Under its terms, each side was restricted to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads.
For more than a decade, New START served as a key pillar of strategic stability between the world’s two largest nuclear powers. However, its expiration has left the international community without a major treaty regulating deployed nuclear weapons for the first time in decades.
No Immediate Replacement Agreement in Sight
Although Russia and the United States have agreed to resume high-level military discussions, there are currently no clear signs that a replacement treaty will be negotiated in the near future.
Both countries have previously accused each other of failing to fully comply with the terms of New START. As a result, efforts to extend or replace the agreement became increasingly difficult.
Security analysts have warned that the absence of legally binding limits could lead to increased competition in nuclear weapons development and deployment.
China, Britain and France Remain Part of the Debate
Former US President Donald Trump had previously pushed for a broader arms control framework that would include China. Washington has argued that Beijing’s growing nuclear capabilities should be part of future negotiations.
However, China has publicly rejected calls to join such a treaty. Chinese officials maintain that their nuclear arsenal remains significantly smaller than those of Russia and the United States.
Meanwhile, Russia has insisted that if China participates in future agreements, then other nuclear powers, including Britain and France, should also be included in the discussions.
This difference in approach remains one of the major obstacles to creating a new global nuclear arms framework.
Growing Concerns Over Global Security
Russia’s latest remarks come at a time when international tensions remain high. The war in Ukraine, ongoing military modernization programs, and increasing competition among major powers have fueled concerns about long-term global stability.
Throughout the Ukraine conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin has frequently referred to Russia’s nuclear capabilities. These statements have drawn criticism from Western governments, which have accused Moscow of using nuclear rhetoric to increase pressure on its opponents.
However, Russian officials continue to argue that nuclear deterrence remains essential for preventing direct military conflict between major nations.
What Happens Next?
With no replacement for New START currently in place, the future of global nuclear arms control remains uncertain. Experts believe that meaningful dialogue between nuclear powers will be necessary to reduce risks and maintain strategic stability.
For now, Russia maintains that nuclear deterrence remains the strongest defense against a wider global conflict, even as debates continue over how future arms control agreements should be structured.