Daijiworld Media Network – Moscow

Moscow, Oct 11: President Vladimir Putin on Friday said Russia is developing new strategic weapons and that it would not be a major setback for Moscow if the United States refuses to extend the warhead limits set under the New START nuclear arms treaty, which expires next year.

Speaking to reporters during a summit in Tajikistan, Putin remarked that while an arms race is already underway, it would still be “a shame” if the existing arms control framework between the two nuclear superpowers collapses entirely.

Russia has expressed willingness to voluntarily uphold the warhead limits defined in the treaty beyond its February expiry if Washington agrees to do the same. However, the US has not yet formally responded.

“Will these few months be enough to make a decision on an extension? I think it will be enough if there is goodwill. But if the Americans decide they don’t need it, that’s not a big deal for us,” Putin said.

He confirmed that Russia continues to develop and test next-generation nuclear weapons. “We’re ready to negotiate if it’s acceptable and useful for the Americans. If not, then no — but that would be a shame, because there would be nothing left in terms of deterrence in strategic offensive weapons,” he added.

Putin also hinted that some unnamed countries might be preparing for nuclear tests — a move that could escalate global tensions. “If they do it, we’ll do the same,” he warned, noting that such tests could fuel a new arms race despite being justified by some on security grounds.

Still, he said extending the New START Treaty even for a year would be “a good idea” to preserve strategic stability.