Kremlin Applauds Trump's Positive View on New START Treaty

The Kremlin on Monday voiced its approval of U.S. President Donald Trump's endorsement of Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to extend nuclear arms limitations under the New START treaty for an additional year. This treaty remains a critical element in the realm of arms control between the two major nuclear powers.

Putin had initially put forth this voluntary extension in September, aiming to maintain the restraints on strategic nuclear weapons. The New START treaty represents the final standing arms control agreement between Russia and the U.S., with an expiration date set for February 2026.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted the significance of Trump's remarks, citing hope for U.S. adherence to Putin's initiative. Russia and the United States, together holding about 87 percent of the world's nuclear arsenal, have enough nuclear weapons to cause global devastation multiple times.

(With inputs from agencies.)