Russia Says Nuclear Weapons Are 'Only Thing Protecting World' From Global War

Published 24 June 2026 · world

Russia Says Nuclear Weapons Are 'Only Thing Protecting World' From Global War Curated By, Last Updated: June 24, 2026, 17:49 IST Kremlin spokesperson said the

Russia Says Nuclear Weapons Are 'Only Thing Protecting World' From Global War Curated By, Last Updated: June 24, 2026, 17:49 IST Kremlin spokesperson said the global security framework was “eroding” and warned that nuclear deterrence remains central to preventing large-scale conflict. Russia's President Vladimir Putin (Reuters) Russia on Wednesday said nuclear weapons remain the “only" safeguard preventing the world from sliding into a global war, as concerns grow over a renewed multi-country arms race following the collapse of key arms control limits. The remarks come after the expiration of the New START treaty between Russia and the United States in February, which for more than a decade restricted the deployment of nuclear warheads by the world’s two largest nuclear powers. With the agreement now lapsed, there are no binding limits in place for the first time in decades.

‘Security system is eroding’ Speaking at a foreign policy forum in Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the global security framework was “eroding" and warned that nuclear deterrence remains central to preventing large-scale conflict. “In fact, we have nothing left in this world apart from nuclear deterrence. It’s the only thing that protects the world from a global war," he said. Peskov also suggested that advances in military technology could eventually produce new forms of non-nuclear weapons with destructive power comparable to nuclear arms. “As technology is developing, it is already clear that new types of non-nuclear weapons will emerge, but they may eventually match nuclear weapons in destructive power," he added. Arms control vacuum The expiry of New START has left the US and Russia without a formal arms control agreement for the first time since the Cold War-era framework of treaties began.

Signed in 2010, the deal limited both countries to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each, though both sides had previously accused each other of non-compliance. There have been no signs that either side is close to renewing or replacing the accord, despite earlier commitments to resume high-level military discussions. US President Donald Trump has called for a new agreement that includes China, whose nuclear arsenal is expanding but remains smaller than those of Russia or the US. Beijing has rejected the proposal. Moscow, meanwhile, has argued that if China is included in any new deal, it should also extend to US allies such as Britain and France. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly raised nuclear rhetoric throughout his four-year offensive on Ukraine, triggering charges of reckless sabre-rattling from Europe and the US. (With inputs from AFP) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.