In a world adrift from its arms control moorings, Russian President Vladimir Putin is attempting to drop a temporary anchor. His promise to voluntarily adhere to the expired New START treaty’s limits for one year is a bid to provide a measure of stability in dangerously choppy waters.
The decision was presented as a move to secure the vessel of international security. Putin stated the goal was to ensure “predictability and restraint” and to prevent the ship from being cast into the storm of a “further strategic arms race.”
However, this anchor needs solid ground to hold. Putin made it clear that its effectiveness depends on the United States also committing to not drifting into a more aggressive posture. He warned that the anchor would not hold if the U.S. takes actions that “disrupt the existing balance.”
The Russian leader hopes this temporary anchor can provide enough stability to begin repairs on the diplomatic front. He suggested that it could foster an atmosphere “conducive to substantive strategic dialogue,” allowing for talks on a more permanent solution.
For one year, this anchor will be in place, offering a focal point of stability. Whether it holds long enough for diplomacy to succeed will depend on the currents of U.S. policy and the willingness of both sides to work together.