Thursday marked the end of New START, which limits the numbers and types of nuclear weapons each country maintains. The decision to resume military talks between Washington and Moscow, according to one U.S. official, was a direct by-product of the peace negotiations, which so far have failed to produce a significant breakthrough that would halt the fighting. The Kremlin had no official comment on the resumption of military talks, and its embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The most recent negotiations, hosted by the United Arab Emirates, did not result in any breakthroughs, though Russia and Ukraine did agree to a prisoner exchange. The resumption of regular dialogue will enable Moscow to hold talks with Washington on security topics outside of the Ukraine conflict.

Source: Washington Post February 05, 2026 23:58 UTC