US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Political Affairs Colin Cole told reporters in a briefing that Washington considers it important to initiate a dialogue with Moscow to extend the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and extend it through 2026, signaling a readiness to explore how to both prolong current limits and discuss potential new avenues in arms control. The report from TASS provided the framing for these remarks, underscoring Washington’s belief that the next phase of dialogue should be comprehensive and concrete, addressing verification, transparency, and verification mechanisms that have evolved since the original agreement was signed.
“The strategic offensive arms agreement expires in 2026. As we approach 2026, it will be important for us and Russia to start a detailed dialogue on how to expand it, expand it, or explore the possibility of entering other arms control agreements that will involve actions not foreseen in the current agreement,” Cole stated, outlining a policy trajectory that many analysts view as essential to sustaining strategic stability. The comment, noted by observers, signals an intention to move beyond a simple extension toward a broader, possibly more flexible framework that could accommodate new technologies and strategic concepts developed in the intervening years, including cyber and space-related arms control considerations that have gained prominence on the international agenda (via TASS).
Bonnie Jenkins, the Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, indicated openness to returning to negotiations on a new framework aimed at further reducing and limiting strategic offensive weapons. The conversation, referenced in coverage by Gazeta.Ru, points to a 2026 expiry as a key milestone while emphasizing there is no fixed timetable yet for resuming talks on a successor agreement. This stance aligns with ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain momentum in arms control discussions, seeking a balance between strategic deterrence, verification rigor, and the political realities driving both sides. Jenkins’ remarks, attributed to the broader strategic dialogue, reflect a US approach that prioritizes a structured negotiation process, measurable progress, and clear milestones as negotiations potentially re-enter the record of bilateral engagement (attribution: Gazeta.Ru).