On February 4, 2026, the New START treaty, the last remaining arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, officially expired. This treaty, which was signed by former President Barack Obama in 2010, imposed significant limits on the nuclear arsenals of both superpowers, including caps on deployed nuclear warheads and regular data exchanges regarding nuclear stockpiles. In the lead-up to the expiration, Obama expressed his concerns via social media, stating that the end of this treaty would "wipe out decades of diplomacy" and could provoke a new arms race, undermining global security and stability. Experts warn that without a treaty in place, both nations might rapidly expand their nuclear forces, resulting in heightened geopolitical tensions and renewed competition in nuclear armament. The Russian government had previously suggested the possibility of adhering to warhead limits informally for another year but reported a lack of response from the Trump administration. A White House official indicated President Trump is expected to outline a path forward on nuclear arms control but has not yet committed to any formal agreements following New START's expiration. Many analysts believe that both nations recognize the importance of maintaining some level of nuclear restraint, despite the lack of a formal treaty, as the consequences of an escalated arms race could be catastrophic. The fallout from the treaty's expiration could lead to increased tensions not only between the U.S. and Russia but also impact global nuclear proliferation efforts.