Trump states that a new nuclear arms control treaty should be formulated to replace the existing agreements, aiming to enhance global security and prevent an arms race.

Xinhua Finance Washington, February 5 – U.S. President Trump tweeted on the 5th that instead of extending the New START Treaty with Russia, which is set to expire today, the focus should be on drafting a “better and modernized” treaty that can be effective in the long term.

Trump claimed that the New START Treaty, previously signed and extended by a Democratic administration, is a “bad” agreement negotiated by the United States and has been “seriously violated.” However, he did not elaborate further.

Later, at a White House press conference, White House Press Secretary Psaki reiterated Trump’s remarks, stating that Trump wants U.S. experts to work on drafting a new treaty to replace the New START Treaty. When asked whether the U.S. and Russia agree to abide by the provisions of the New START Treaty during the negotiations of a new one, Psaki said she was not aware.

Earlier that day, the American Axios news website reported that U.S. and Russian officials had been negotiating in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, over the past 24 hours regarding continued compliance with the New START Treaty, and an agreement was close to being reached.

The New START Treaty, signed by the U.S. and Russia in 2010, aims to limit the number of nuclear warheads and delivery systems deployed by both countries. The treaty officially came into effect on February 5, 2011, with an initial validity of 10 years, later extended through negotiations until February 5, 2026. In an interview in January, Trump stated he was not worried about the treaty expiring soon and expressed confidence that the two sides would reach a new agreement.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)