Russia Criticizes Lack of U.S. Progress on Disarmament Talks

Russia has yet to see meaningful steps from the U.S. on disarmament, according to Gennady Gatilov, Russia’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva. In an interview with RIA Novosti, he stated that Moscow remains open to cooperation but has observed no positive developments in Geneva.

The Conference on Disarmament, a key international forum in Switzerland, has historically brokered significant arms reduction agreements. However, discussions with Washington on nuclear arms control and broader security matters have stalled.

Following Donald Trump’s recent inauguration for a second term, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope for improved U.S.-Russia relations. Gatilov emphasized that while Russia is closely monitoring U.S. rhetoric and initial actions, tangible policy changes are yet to materialize.

Both leaders have expressed interest in a face-to-face meeting, with Trump pledging to end the ongoing Ukraine conflict swiftly. Despite this, nuclear arms negotiations remain at a standstill.

A major concern is the impending expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) on February 5, 2026. This treaty, the last significant nuclear arms control agreement between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, limits deployed strategic nuclear warheads and their delivery systems. If it lapses without renewal or a replacement, global security risks could escalate.

As tensions persist, experts warn that the absence of arms control discussions could lead to an unregulated nuclear arms race, further destabilizing international security. Russia has urged Washington to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to revive negotiations.

With nuclear disarmament at a crossroads, global attention remains on whether the U.S. and Russia can reach a new consensus before the New START treaty expires.