Russia fires back at Washington for second time in hours as new START nuclear treaty expires

A key nuclear arms control pillar is about to lapse, and Moscow is sending a stark message. Russia’s deputy foreign minister says the world may enter a phase with “no restrictions whatsoever,” blaming Washington for the collapse of the old system. He also hints that future arms talks must be multilateral, not just US-Russia. With New START nearing expiration, questions are mounting over strategic stability, nuclear transparency and global security. Is this the start of a new arms race, or a negotiating tactic before a bigger reset?