Donald Trump Praises Putin’s New START Treaty Proposal Amid Rising Tensions Over Ukraine
Former US President Donald Trump has expressed his approval of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent proposal regarding the New START Treaty, describing it as a positive development. Speaking to the media at the White House, Trump said, “It’s good to hear. It’s a good idea,” when asked to comment on Putin’s statement concerning the treaty. His remarks come at a time when relations between the United States and Russia have significantly deteriorated due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Russian government has indicated that it is willing to seek an end to the war in Ukraine. However, Moscow has emphasized that any resolution must take Russia’s security concerns into account. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also addressed the situation in Ukraine, reiterating Russia’s stance during a statement made on September 27th. Lavrov highlighted that dialogue remains possible, but the safety, rights, and security of Russians and Russian-speaking populations are non-negotiable prerequisites for meaningful negotiations.
Trump’s Support for the New START Treaty
Donald Trump’s remarks underline his approval of the proposed continuation of the New START Treaty, a key arms control agreement between the United States and Russia. The treaty, which is designed to limit and monitor strategic nuclear weapons, is set to expire in February of next year. During a Russian Security Council meeting on September 22nd, President Putin stated that Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the treaty’s restrictions for another year, provided that the United States also continues to comply fully. This mutual commitment underscores the treaty’s importance as a tool for maintaining nuclear stability between the two nations.
Russia’s Position on Ending the Ukraine Conflict
Addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Russia remains open to dialogue aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. Lavrov emphasized that while Russia is ready for discussions, its security must remain a top priority. He stressed that the protection of the rights of Russian citizens and Russian-speaking populations is essential for any constructive talks. This statement reflects Moscow’s position that negotiations can only proceed if key security concerns are addressed satisfactorily.
Understanding the New START Treaty
The New START Treaty, formally known as the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, is a bilateral arms control agreement between the United States and Russia. Signed in 2010 by then-US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the treaty officially came into force in February 2011. It was extended for an additional five years in 2021. The agreement imposes strict limits on the number of strategic nuclear weapons and delivery systems that each country can deploy.
Key provisions of the treaty include:
- A maximum of 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads, along with up to 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers.
- A cap of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBMs, SLBMs, and heavy bombers combined.
- On-site inspections to ensure compliance, allowing each side to conduct up to 18 inspections of strategic nuclear facilities annually.
However, inspections were temporarily suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While talks were scheduled in Egypt last November to resume inspections, Russia postponed the discussions, and no new date has been established. Despite these delays, the treaty remains a critical framework for preventing an unchecked arms race and maintaining strategic stability between the two nuclear powers.
Conclusion
In this context, Donald Trump’s endorsement of President Putin’s proposal for the New START Treaty underscores the importance of continued dialogue on nuclear arms control, even amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Both leaders’ statements highlight that while the Ukraine conflict remains a major challenge for international diplomacy, mechanisms such as the New START Treaty can still play a vital role in promoting security, stability, and transparency in global nuclear relations.
