The Elders, the international group of former world leaders and senior diplomats, have urged the United States and Russia to urgently step back from a renewed nuclear arms race as the last remaining bilateral nuclear arms control treaty between the two countries expires.
In a joint statement, the group warned that the lapse of the New START treaty removes the final legally binding limits on the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals, increasing the risk of unchecked weapons development, miscalculation, and global instability. The treaty, which capped deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems, formally expired after years of strained compliance and dialogue.
The Elders said the end of New START marks a “dangerous turning point” for global security, coming at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, ongoing war in Ukraine, and growing distrust between nuclear-armed states. They called on Washington and Moscow to immediately resume dialogue aimed at preventing escalation, even if broader political relations remain frozen.
“The absence of arms control does not enhance security,” the group said, warning that history has repeatedly shown how arms races increase the likelihood of conflict rather than deter it.
The Elders emphasized that the expiration of New START leaves the international community without transparency measures such as inspections, data exchanges, and verification mechanisms that helped reduce the risk of misunderstanding during periods of tension. Without these safeguards, they said, both sides may feel compelled to expand or modernize their nuclear forces in response to worst-case assumptions.
The group also expressed concern about the wider global impact, noting that the collapse of US-Russia arms control undermines efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation elsewhere. They warned that other nuclear-armed states could view the breakdown as justification for expanding their own arsenals, weakening the global non-proliferation regime.
The statement called on the United States and Russia to explore interim confidence-building measures, including unilateral transparency steps, mutual restraint in deploying new weapons systems, and recommitment to existing international obligations. The Elders also urged other nuclear powers to support diplomatic efforts and avoid actions that could further destabilize the strategic balance.
Founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, The Elders includes former heads of state, UN officials, and peace advocates who focus on conflict prevention, nuclear disarmament, and human rights. The group has long warned that nuclear risks are rising as arms control agreements unravel and emerging technologies complicate deterrence.
With no replacement treaty in place, The Elders said the responsibility now lies with political leaders to prevent a return to Cold War-style competition and to prioritize dialogue over confrontation. “The stakes,” they said, “could not be higher.”
