What is the New Start nuclear treaty and what are the risks of Russia suspending it?

Russia's President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual state of the nation address, where he announced the suspension of Moscow’s participation in the New Start nuclear treaty. Photograph: Kremlin Pool/UPI/REX/Shutterstock

In a speech ahead of the upcoming one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin announced the suspension of Russia’s participation in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as New Start.

“They want to inflict a strategic defeat on us and claim our nuclear facilities,” said Putin. “In this regard, I am forced to state that Russia is suspending its participation in the strategic offensive arms treaty.”