The most dangerous period of nuclear confrontation since the "Cold War" is beginning on Earth. The Agreement on the Limitation and Reduction of Strategic Offensive Weapons (SNV-3) between the US and Russia expires on February 5 of this year. This document was the last legal barrier restraining the nuclear arsenal of the two giant powers.
Future without restrictions: Will control disappear?
The agreement obligated both sides not to increase the number of nuclear warheads to more than 1,500 units, as well as to reduce the arsenal of ballistic missiles and submarines. Most importantly, mutual inspections and information exchange within the framework of the treaty served to prevent nuclear conflicts.
Western publications, in particular, experts from Reuters and the Financial Times, warn that if a new agreement is not signed, the world will plunge into an arms race without borders and the risk of nuclear war will sharply increase. According to British scientist James Acton, humanity is on the threshold of a new era of armament.
Conditions of the parties and geopolitical situation
Today, neither Washington nor Moscow is rushing to extend the agreement on the previous terms:
- US position: Washington believes it is necessary to involve China, which is rapidly increasing its nuclear potential, in the new treaty.
- Russia's position: Moscow demands that the new restrictions affect not only the US, but also other NATO nuclear powers - Great Britain and France.
When the numbers speak: Billions for destruction
According to a report by the SIPRI Institute at the beginning of 2025, more than 90% of the world's nuclear reserves are still concentrated in the hands of Russia (4,309 units) and the USA (3,700 units). China is trying to catch up with them with 600 warheads. According to ICAN, countries around the world spend $2,898 per second on weapons of mass destruction.
Currently, nine countries in the world possess nuclear shields, and against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, statements about the use of tactical nuclear weapons and NATO's readiness of arsenals in response are exacerbating the situation.
Do you think that great powers can compromise for the future of humanity, or has the nuclear race become an unstoppable process?
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