Russia sounds alarm as New START treaty is set to expire, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• The New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia is set to expire on Thursday, removing restrictions on their nuclear arsenals.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned of a "dangerous" global situation if the treaty is not extended.
• Russia has offered a one-year extension, but has not received a response from the U.S.
• Ukraine reported that Russia launched approximately 450 long-range drones and 70 missiles overnight.

Detailed Insights:

• The New START treaty is the last remaining nuclear arms treaty between the U.S. and Russia, a legacy of Cold War-era agreements.
• Without the treaty, there will be no fundamental document limiting and controlling the nuclear arsenals of the world's two largest nuclear powers.
• President Trump had previously indicated that extending the New START treaty "sounds like a good idea," but no action has been taken.
• The expiration of the treaty coincides with heightened tensions, exemplified by Russia's recent large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Nuclear Arsenal: A country's collection of nuclear weapons.
• Treaty Extension: An agreement to prolong the validity of an existing treaty beyond its original expiration date.