Putin Keeps Nuclear Powder Dry, Pledges a Year of Arms Limits

President Vladimir Putin is signaling that Russia will keep its nuclear powder dry for at least another year. He announced on Monday a voluntary commitment to the expired New START treaty’s arms limits, a move designed to show restraint while keeping all future options open.
The decision was framed as a pragmatic measure for a “turbulent” time. Putin said that maintaining the status quo of 1,550 deployed warheads was justified to “ensure an acceptable level of predictability and restraint” and to avoid a new arms race.
This commitment to restraint is not absolute. Putin explicitly tied its continuation to the actions of the United States. He warned that the policy is only “viable” if the U.S. refrains from any moves that could be seen as disrupting the strategic balance.
The Russian leader also floated the idea that this period of mutual calm could lead to diplomacy. He suggested that it could foster a better atmosphere for a “substantive strategic dialogue,” which is seen as crucial for any improvement in bilateral relations.
By committing for only one year and reserving the right to re-evaluate, Putin is demonstrating a flexible policy. He is keeping Russia’s powder dry, showing restraint for now, but making it clear that this can change based on his “analysis of the situation” in the future.