Deep Cuts Commission Issues Urgent Statement on New START Expiration

February 3, 2026 – Two days before the New START Treaty expires on February 5, 2026, the Deep Cuts Commission has released a joint statement warning of heightened nuclear risks and calling for continued restraint by the United States and Russian Federation.

The statement highlights that New START's end will leave both countries without bilateral arms control limits for the first time in decades, potentially eroding strategic stability and predictability. It urges both sides to voluntarily uphold the treaty's central quantitative restrictions and resume talks on a broader strategic stability framework, including sub-strategic weapons and missile defenses.

"Continued nuclear restraint and renewed dialogue are essential to demonstrate commitment to NPT Article VI obligations ahead of the 2026 Review Conference," the statement emphasizes.