Vladimir Putin’s statement about Russia’s readiness to consider complying with the New START restrictions after February 5, 2026, has been widely covered by global media outlets. Publications such as Newsweek and the Washington Post have recognized this move as significant, given the expiration of the treaty and the pause in dialogue between Moscow and Washington. It is noted that maintaining the agreements could reduce the pressure on both parties. A number of media outlets, including the New York Times, have suggested that Moscow wants to separate arms control issues from the Ukraine crisis, which is unacceptable to the United States.

However, according to India Today, the Donald Trump administration is interested in a new agreement involving China and may positively view Putin’s initiative. As a reminder, Russia suspended its participation in the New START Treaty in 2023, demanding that the arsenals of NATO allies be taken into account, and Washington responded by halting data exchange. Despite the suspension, as stated at the end of 2024