MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin said on Oct 10 that Russia was developing new strategic weapons, and it would not be critical for Moscow if the United States declined to extend the warhead limits set out in a nuclear arms treaty that expires in 2026.

He said it would, however, be a shame if nothing remained of the arms control framework between the two countries, which have by far the world’s biggest nuclear arsenals.

Speaking to reporters at a summit in Tajikistan, Mr Putin said an arms race was already in progress.

Russia has said it is willing to voluntarily extend the warhead limits defined in the New Start treaty,

which expires in February,

“Will these few months be enough to make a decision on an extension? I think it will be enough if there is goodwill to extend these agreements. And if the Americans decide they don’t need it, that’s not a big deal for us,” Mr Putin said.

He added that Russia was continuing to develop and test new-generation nuclear weapons.

“We’re ready to negotiate if it’s acceptable and useful for the Americans. If not, then no, but that would be a shame, because then there would be nothing left in terms of deterrence in the area of ​​strategic offensive weapons.”

For the second time in a week, Mr Putin referred to the possibility that other countries, which he did not name, might carry out a nuclear test – something only North Korea has done this century. He has said that Russia would also perform a test if this happens.

Security experts say a test by one country would have a knock-on effect, prompting other nuclear powers to do the same, raiing geopolitical tensions further from their ...