【US-Russia "Last Nuclear Arms Treaty" Countdown to Expiration, Trump "Read-It-But-Did-Not-Reply"]

The last legal restraint limiting the world's two largest nuclear powers, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), will officially expire on February 5, but in response to Putin's proactive proposal for an extension, Trump "read it but did not reply." If this treaty ultimately expires, it would force the US and Russia to break free from this legal constraint, leading to the production of more nuclear weapons, and a dangerous era of unlimited nuclear arms globally.

This treaty was reached in 2010 by Obama and Medvedev, with a term of 10 years. In fact, Trump had no intention of extending or negotiating a new treaty during his first term. After Biden took office in 2021, he quickly extended the treaty, which was extended until this year's January, effectively returning the ball to Trump's court.

Putin's stance is clear: he wants to extend it for one year, avoiding an endless nuclear arms race. However, Trump's attitude remains ambiguous. At first, he casually responded with "That sounds like a good idea," but after that, there was no further development. As the treaty approaches its expiration date, the Trump administration's attitude remains "read it but did not reply." Medvedev frankly stated: "Russia has not received any 'substantial response' from the US side so far."

So what is Trump thinking? One analysis suggests administrative negligence. Trump marginalized professional diplomats, causing the government machinery to malfunction and unable to handle complex arms control negotiations.

Another analysis claims that Trump never intended to renew the treaty. If he wanted to do so, he could have simply called Putin several months ago. Instead, he deliberately broke all international frameworks that limit US military power. Moreover, Russia's "Berezina" and "Kinzhal" missiles are not covered by this treaty, which may also be another reason why Trump does not want to renew it.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855917067043852/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.