Russia and US Near Agreement to Continue Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

Russia and the United States are reportedly close to agreeing to continue compliance with the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START, START-III), Axios reported citing sources. Discussions took place in Abu Dhabi, building on an initiative previously proposed by President Vladimir Putin. The draft plan requires approval from both presidents — Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. According to Axios journalist Barak Ravid, the two countries are considering an extension of SNV-III for a period of six months. The report states that US special envoy Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, discussed the treaty extension with Russian officials on the sidelines of Ukraine negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Both sides reportedly agreed to adhere to the conditions of the expiring treaty while negotiating a new agreement.