The world faces new dangers as a key nuclear treaty between the US and Russia is ending. This agreement, called the New START treaty, is the last one of its kind. It helped manage the large nuclear weapons of these two powerful countries. For many years, they worked together to limit these weapons. This effort started during the Cold War.
Russia recently said it will not follow the treaty's rules for nuclear warheads. It also said the US refused a plan to extend the treaty for one year. This news makes international security more difficult. The New START treaty started in 2011. It limited each country to 1,550 nuclear warheads.
The treaty also allowed countries to check each other's weapons. This helped build trust and prevent mistakes. Before this, another treaty called START limited warheads to 6,000 each. Now, the end of New START leaves a gap in controlling nuclear risks.
Russia stopped its part in the treaty three years ago. This shows a growing disagreement between the two nations. Russia's foreign ministry said that countries are no longer bound by the treaty. They also said their plans for continuing the treaty were ignored by Washington. Russia thinks the US approach is wrong.
This treaty ending is happening at a difficult time. There are many global tensions, especially the war in Ukraine. This situation makes people worry about a new arms race. The United Nations is very concerned. They called the treaty's end a "grave moment." They want Russia and the US to talk again. Without this treaty, the world's largest nuclear weapons are less controlled. This could lead to more uncertainty and danger.