Europe

US-Russia nuclear treaty expiration sparks arms race fears

The New Start treaty has imposed a cap on the number of strategic nuclear warheads that can be deployed by both nations.

The lapse of the final nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia has sparked concerns about a potential escalation in nuclear weaponry.

A deactivated Titan II nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile at a silo at the Titan Missile Museum in Arizona. Photo: May 2015 — The New Start treaty caps the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads for the US and Russia to 1,550 each

Signed in 2010, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START, was a key component of a limited set of international accords aimed at mitigating the risk of a devastating nuclear conflict.

According to UN Secretary General António Guterres, the treaty's expiration constitutes a "grave moment" for global peace and security, prompting him to urge the US and Russia to promptly establish a new framework.

As the treaty came to an end at midnight GMT, it effectively signaled the termination of a longstanding era of cooperation on arms control between Washington and Moscow, which played a significant role in bringing the Cold War to a close.

The treaty had imposed a limit of 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads on each side, while also facilitating transparency through the exchange of data, notifications, and onsite inspections.

According to Guterres, the absence of binding limits on strategic nuclear arsenals would have significant implications, as the countries possessing the majority of the world's nuclear weapons would be unrestricted.

Guterres emphasized the need for the two nations to establish a new arms control framework, citing the heightened risk of nuclear weapon use, which is now at its highest point in decades.

Guterres acknowledged that US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have expressed their commitment to preventing uncontrolled nuclear proliferation, but he stressed that concrete actions must follow their statements.

On Wednesday, Pope Leo joined the call for the treaty's renewal, stating that the current global situation necessitates efforts to prevent a new arms race, underscoring the importance of diplomatic action.

The original Start treaty, signed by the US and the Soviet Union in 1991, established a limit of 6,000 deployable nuclear warheads for each signatory, providing a framework for arms control.

The treaty was superseded by the New Start agreement, which was signed by the US and Russia in Prague in 2010, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with Russia emerging as its successor state.

Despite Russia's suspension of the treaty three years ago amidst escalating tensions related to the conflict in Ukraine, it was believed that both nations were still adhering to its provisions.

The treaty played a crucial role in preventing an unchecked accumulation of nuclear arms and established transparency mechanisms for the two countries with the largest nuclear stockpiles, thereby reducing the risk of misinterpreting each other's intentions.

The expiration of this treaty is part of a concerning trend, as several long-standing arms control agreements have already lapsed.

Notable examples include:

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Britain's former chief of the defence staff, has expressed concern that the global security framework is at risk of deteriorating, citing the potential collapse of key international agreements.

During a speech delivered in 2023, Admiral Radakin highlighted the disintegration of major arms control treaties as a significant threat to global security, noting that it is compounded by the growing importance of nuclear weapons in international relations.

Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who signed the New Start treaty in 2010, has warned that the treaty's expiration should be a cause for concern for everyone, a statement that carries weight given his recent comments on nuclear issues.

A senior adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Wednesday that Russia would adopt a cautious and responsible approach if the New Start treaty were to expire, indicating a willingness to manage the situation carefully.

In a subsequent statement, the Russian foreign ministry clarified that, in the current situation, the parties to the New Start treaty are no longer bound by the treaty's core provisions or associated declarations, and are essentially free to determine their next course of action.

According to a statement, the Russian Federation aims to proceed with caution and balance in its actions, while also being prepared to implement robust military-technical measures to address potential threats to national security.

In contrast, US President Donald Trump appears unconcerned, stating in a recent interview with the New York Times, "If it expires, it expires… We'll just do a better agreement", when discussing the potential expiration of an agreement.

The US government thinks that any future treaty on arms control should involve China, given the country's ongoing expansion of its nuclear capabilities.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed a similar view on Thursday, during a press conference in Canberra, emphasizing that China's participation is necessary.

Minister Wadephul further noted that China, having consistently advocated for multilateralism, should demonstrate its commitment to restraint in arms control and build trust in international relations through concrete actions.

Russia has consistently maintained that any potential arms control agreements should encompass France and the UK, given their status as Europe's nuclear-armed nations.

According to Darya Dolzikova, a senior Research Fellow at the Proliferation and Nuclear Policy Programme of the UK-based RUSI, the lapse of the New Start treaty is a cause for concern, as both parties have incentives to enhance their strategic capabilities.

The US and Russia are presently engaged in modernizing their nuclear arsenals and bolstering their strategic capabilities, effectively marking the onset of a new arms race.

Dolzikova noted that Russia appears to be uneasy about its capacity to breach US air defense systems, a concern that has intensified with the Trump administration's plans to construct a comprehensive defense network, dubbed the "Golden Dome", to safeguard North America from long-range threats.

In response, Russia has been developing innovative weaponry designed to counter air defense systems, including the Poseidon, a nuclear-capable and nuclear-powered autonomous underwater torpedo, and the Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed cruise missile.

The United States, Russia, and China are currently engaged in the development of hypersonic missiles, which are capable of reaching speeds exceeding 4,000 miles per hour (6,437 kilometers per hour) and pose significant challenges for defense systems due to their maneuverability.

According to Dolzikova, the ongoing expansion of military capabilities will likely hinder efforts to negotiate a new treaty on arms control, making it more difficult to achieve an agreement.

This development is accompanied by an increased emphasis on nuclear weapons, with a growing number of countries expressing interest in acquiring them as a means of deterrence, contrary to the trend of reducing their stockpiles.

Neither the United States nor Russia appears to be prioritizing the signing of a new arms control treaty at present, indicating a lack of urgency on the part of both nations.

The issue of arms control was discussed during a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and then-US President Trump in Alaska the previous year, but no concrete outcomes or agreements were reached as a result of the talks.

Despite the expiration of the New Start, there remains a window of opportunity for a new agreement, although the current landscape suggests a heightened level of risk and instability.

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Europe

De Zerbi and Marseille part ways by mutual agreement

Marseille has parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi, whose tenure included guiding the team to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 the previous season, after the club’s Champions League elimination and a 5-0 loss to Paris St-Germain.

Prior to his tenure at Marseille, Roberto de Zerbi held managerial positions at Shakhtar Donetsk and Brighton.

Marseille has announced that Roberto de Zerbi is no longer the club's manager, with the two parties agreeing to part ways.

The decision to end de Zerbi's tenure comes on the heels of a significant loss to Paris St-Germain, with a score of 5-0, as well as the team's elimination from the Champions League after a 3-0 loss to Club Brugge.

De Zerbi assumed the role of manager at Marseille in the summer of 2024, following his departure from Brighton, where he had been in charge for nearly two years.

During his time at Marseille, de Zerbi led the team to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 the previous season, and at the time of his departure, the club was ranked fourth in the league, trailing leaders Paris St-Germain by 12 points.

A statement released by Marseille confirmed that the club and de Zerbi had mutually agreed to end their collaboration, marking the end of his tenure as coach of the first team.

According to the club, the decision to replace de Zerbi was made after consultations between key stakeholders, including the owner, president, director of football, and coach, with the goal of addressing the team's performance challenges in the remaining part of the season.

Marseille described the decision as a collective and difficult one, made with careful consideration and a focus on the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the team's current sporting challenges.

For more on this story and other football news, tune in to the latest episode of the Football Daily podcast.

Europe

Macron urges Europe to assert its global influence

The President of France has cautioned that Europe is confronting a critical moment, citing increasing threats from China, Russia, and the United States.

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, is calling on Europe to establish itself as a major force globally, emphasizing the need for the continent to project its influence.

French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: 5 February 2026 — Emmanuel Macron warned that "today Europe faces a massive challenge, in a world of disorder"

Citing increasing challenges from China, Russia, and the United States, Macron cautioned European newspapers that the region is at a critical juncture, necessitating a prompt response.

Macron posed a fundamental question, asking whether Europe is prepared to assert its authority in key areas such as economics, finance, defense, security, and democratic governance.

In remarks made prior to an upcoming EU summit in Brussels, Macron referenced a historical concept, suggesting that the time has come for Europe to take a more prominent role on the global stage.

The French President reiterated his proposal for EU member states to share the risk of loans, which could generate hundreds of billions of euros for crucial industrial investments across the continent.

A proposal has been made to introduce a joint debt capacity, specifically eurobonds, to cover future expenses. The idea is to support large-scale European initiatives that can fund top-tier projects.

Previous suggestions of this nature have been met with skepticism, particularly from Germany and other countries, which have expressed concerns that France is attempting to shift its financial burdens onto the European community, citing its own lack of reform efforts as the reason.

Macron acknowledged that France's economic model has historically been unbalanced, differing from the more responsible approaches taken by certain northern European economies.

He noted that France has not undergone the same level of reforms as countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece, which implemented significant changes in the 2010s and are now seeing positive results.

According to Macron, there is a growing demand in global financial markets for a mutualized European debt instrument, which the EU is currently not equipped to provide.

Global markets are growing wary of the US dollar and seeking alternative options, indicating a shift in economic dynamics.

Investors worldwide are drawn to countries with a strong rule of law and democratic foundations. Currently, the international landscape is characterized by China's authoritarian regime and the US's perceived deviation from its own democratic principles.

Macron emphasized that the 27-member European Union requires an annual investment of €1.2 trillion to bolster key sectors, including security, defense, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.

The EU leader urged the bloc to safeguard its strategic industries, pointing out that both China and the US have taken similar measures. He noted that Europe currently has the most open market globally.

Macron clarified that his stance is not about embracing protectionism, but rather about promoting consistency in trade policies, ensuring that European producers are not unfairly disadvantaged by regulations that do not apply to non-EU competitors.

European leaders are currently confronting a significant dilemma, according to recent statements, as the global landscape becomes increasingly unstable.

The pace of climate change is quickening, while the United States, once considered a permanent guarantor of European security, is now less reliable. Russia's supply of affordable energy, which was previously thought to be a long-term arrangement, ceased three years ago. Meanwhile, China has emerged as an increasingly intense rival.

The European community now finds itself self-reliant, but its collective strength lies in its unity, with a population of 450 million people, a substantial entity. For one European leader, the pursuit of greater influence is seen as the natural culmination of the European project.

Historically, European nations have come together to prevent conflict and establish a unified market, yet they have traditionally avoided aspirations of collective power.

Regarding the recent tensions with the US over Greenland, which ended with President Donald Trump appearing to retract his threats to annex the Danish territory, a European leader cautioned against complacency, suggesting that Europeans should remain vigilant.

Following a crisis, a common reaction is to breathe a sigh of relief and assume the situation has been resolved. However, this sense of security can be short-lived, as threats and intimidation may still be present, only to be followed by a sudden shift in Washington's stance.

According to the French leader, it is essential not to be misled by this apparent calm, emphasizing that the situation is far from over.

Europe

Ukrainian skeleton racer’s helmet, honoring war victims, banned

Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton athlete, has stated that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has prohibited him from wearing a helmet that displays images of war victims from his home country, a ruling that he says is deeply distressing.

Vladyslav Heraskevych has a history of utilizing his public presence to speak out against the conflict in Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, the International Olympic Committee has prohibited him from wearing a helmet that displays images of war victims from his native country, a decision he finds deeply distressing.

Heraskevych, 26, donned the helmet during a Winter Olympics practice session in Cortina, having previously stated his intention to leverage the Games as an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict.

The International Olympic Committee has not yet publicly acknowledged whether it has indeed banned the helmet in question.

In an Instagram post, Heraskevych, who served as a flagbearer for Ukraine during the opening ceremony on Friday, stated that the IOC has barred him from wearing the helmet at official training sessions and competitions.

The IOC's decision has sparked disappointment, as it prevents athletes from being recognized on the Olympic stage, a platform they will never have the opportunity to participate on again, leaving a sense of betrayal among those who have been part of the Olympic movement.

The IOC has previously permitted such tributes in both recent and past events, but in this instance, it has chosen to establish unique guidelines specifically for Ukraine, deviating from its earlier precedents.

In an interview with Reuters, Heraskevych revealed that the images on his helmet included several athletes, such as teenage weightlifter Alina Peregudova, boxer Pavlo Ishchenko, and ice hockey player Oleksiy Loginov, some of whom he considered friends.

According to Heraskevych, Toshio Tsurunaga, the IOC's representative responsible for facilitating communication between athletes, national Olympic committees, and the IOC, visited the athletes' village to inform him of the decision.

Heraskevych stated that the reason provided was due to rule 50, as explained to him by the IOC representative.

According to the Olympic Charter's Rule 50.2, demonstrations or propaganda of a political, religious, or racial nature are not allowed at Olympic sites, venues, or other designated areas.

On Monday, it was reported that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had reached out to Ukraine's Olympic Committee regarding a specific helmet.

As of now, the IOC has stated that it has not received a formal request for the helmet to be used during competition, which is set to begin on February 12.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Heraskevych for bringing attention to the sacrifices made during their struggle.

The president's post further emphasized that the reality of the situation cannot be dismissed as an inappropriate or political display at a sports event, but rather serves as a global reminder of the current state of Russia.

At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Ukraine's inaugural skeleton competitor, Heraskevych, displayed a sign reading 'No War in Ukraine', just days prior to Russia's invasion of the country in 2022.

The Olympic Charter's Rule 50.2 explicitly prohibits any form of demonstration or propaganda of a political, religious, or racial nature within Olympic venues and areas.

Heraskevych had previously stated his intention to abide by the Olympic rules banning political demonstrations, while still seeking to bring attention to the conflict in Ukraine during the Games.

In the aftermath of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus faced widespread bans from international competitions, although they have been gradually reintegrated into sports.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has given clearance to 13 Russian athletes to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) at the Milan-Cortina event.

A request for comment has been made to the IOC by BBC Sport.

A daily breakdown of the Winter Olympics is available for reference.

A comprehensive schedule outlining the timing of all medal events can be found.

The current medal standings for the Winter Olympics 2026 are being tracked.