American journalist Melinda Crane revealed on DW News that former U.S. President Donald Trump is “very worried about nuclear war” with Russia. Her comments came after Vladimir Putin proposed extending the New START Treaty, the last remaining U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control agreement.
Crane suggested that if Putin appeals to Trump’s fear of nuclear escalation, it could put the Russian leader “back in favor” with him.
Retired U.S. Army Colonel John Fairlamb also highlighted the treaty’s importance in The Hill, stressing that once New START expires, there will be no limits or verification system on Russia’s strategic weapons.
Putin recently offered to extend the treaty for one year beyond its 2026 expiration, provided the U.S. reciprocates. Kremlin officials confirmed Russia is prepared to maintain current limits on warheads and launchers during that period.
The treaty, implemented in 2011, restricts both nations to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and caps launchers and heavy bombers at 800. It also establishes mutual inspections and notifications to ensure compliance.
While Trump has long promoted the idea of global denuclearization, even suggesting China could join future talks, Beijing recently rejected participation in such negotiations.
Meanwhile, Trump has shifted his stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he stated this week that Ukraine “can win” and reclaim its lost territories a sharp contrast to his earlier comments that Russia was gaining the upper hand and that Zelensky should consider territorial concessions.
This mix of nuclear concerns and changing positions on Ukraine highlights the complex challenges facing Trump’s foreign policy outlook.
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