The Kremlin said Thursday it regrets the expiration of the nuclear arms pact between the United States and Russia, as President Trump called for a new agreement that would include China.
Trump has signaled support for maintaining nuclear limits but wants any future treaty to involve Beijing. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said true arms control in the 21st century must include China due to its rapidly growing nuclear stockpile. Trump previously pushed for a three-way pact during his first term.
China responded that its arsenal is not on the same scale and will not join negotiations at this stage, urging the U.S. to resume nuclear dialogue with Russia. The Kremlin said it respects China’s position.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that instead of extending “NEW START,” the U.S. should pursue a “new, improved, and modernized Treaty.” Kremlin officials said President Vladimir Putin discussed the treaty’s expiration with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and will respond based on an analysis of the security situation.
