Russia announces its suspension from last nuclear arms agreement with the US, escalating nuclear tension

A woman in Crimea watches a TV broadcast of Russian President Vladimir Putin's speech on Feb. 21, 2023. Stringer/AFP via Getty Images

After decades of progress on limiting the buildup of nuclear weapons, Russia’s war on Ukraine has prompted renewed nuclear tensions between Russia and the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation address on Feb. 21, 2023, that Russia is “suspending” its participation in the U.S. and Russia’s last remaining nuclear arms agreement – known as New START.