The risk of using nuclear weapons has increased to a maximum

The risk of a nuclear strike is the highest in a decade: Guterres calls on US, Russia for new deal

The world is facing the highest risk of nuclear weapons use in decades. This was stated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, calling for Russian Federation and the United States of America conclude a new arms control agreement.

Termination of the START Treaty

The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which expired at midnight on 4 February, limited the number of strategic nuclear warheads and their delivery vehicles that the United States and Russia could deploy.

After its expiry, for the first time in more than half a century, there are virtually no binding restrictions on the strategic nuclear arsenals of the two states that possess the vast majority of global nuclear weapons stockpiles.

Statement by the UN Secretary-General

According to Guterres, the current situation creates dangerous uncertainty in global security.

He stressed that for the first time in decades, the international community is facing a world without a legally binding framework for controlling the strategic nuclear forces of the United States and the Russian Federation, which significantly increases the risk of escalation.

A call for new arrangements

The UN Secretary-General called on Washington and Moscow to start negotiations on a new arms control agreement as soon as possible, which could restore deterrence and transparency in the area of strategic stability.

Context.

For decades, the system of bilateral treaties between the United States and Russia has remained a key element of the global nuclear security architecture. Its weakening is taking place against the backdrop of a general deterioration in international relations, Russia's war against Ukraine, and rising geopolitical tensions.