Is A Short Extension Of The Nuclear Arms Pact With Russia In The Works?

Bryan Bender, Politico: White House weighs shorter extension of nuclear arms pact with Russia

The option is part of a strategy that would also seek a broader agreement with Moscow that possibly includes China.

The Trump administration is weighing a face-saving strategy for keeping an Obama-era nuclear treaty from expiring while it pursues a more sweeping arms pact with both Russia and China, according to current and former administration officials with direct knowledge of the deliberations.

Under the plan, the White House would temporarily extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty while seeking a new agreement with Moscow that also tries to convince China to come to the table, they said.

The diplomatic formula is viewed at the State Department and National Security Council as a promising way to both prevent New START from expiring in February and getting Russia to agree — at least in principle — to more comprehensive limits on nuclear arms.

"Both approaches are available, or a mix thereof," said a State Department spokesperson who asked not to be named.

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WNU Editor: The focus for both countries is to recover from the pandemic that is now engulfing both countries. A nuclear arms race is not what both countries need right now. I for one would not be surprised to hear that an extension of START will be announced in the coming months.