Europe | Collateral damage

Vladimir Putin pulls Russia out of its last nuclear-arms-control treaty

The move is both predictable and reckless

Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen on a screen during his annual address to the Federal Assembly, in Sevastopol, Crimea February 21, 2023.  REUTERS/Alexey Pavlishak     TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Image: Reuters

AMID BOASTFUL claims about the strength of the Russian economy in resisting sanctions and the usual bluster about how it was NATO that started the war in Ukraine and how the West (a sink of depravity where paedophilia is “declared normal”) is striving for “unlimited domination”, Vladimir Putin did make one announcement of substance. In an important speech on February 21st, just before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Mr Putin declared that Moscow would suspend its involvement in New START, the only remaining arms-control agreement between the two nuclear superpowers.

A collage of Trump and on one side and Zelensky and Starmer huugging on the other. There are pieces of maps around too.

The dangerous tension in Europe’s response to Trump

By trying to stop the rift, Europe may hasten it

Illustration of Germany’s black eagle emblem with Friedrich Merz's head, his feathers are starting to get ratty and falling out

Can Friedrich Merz get Europe out of its funk?

A new Merz-mentum could reboot the Franco-German motor at the heart of the EU


Ukrainian soldiers fire with 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzer on Russian positionin Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine

Can Europe keep Ukraine in the fight if America really has bailed?

Investing in Ukraine’s own weapons industry will be the best bet


The War Room newsletter: After the White House debacle, what next?

As Trump suspends military aid, what are the chokeholds on Ukraine?

The war-torn country can substitute some—but nothing like all—of the kit it gets from America

Europe vows to defend Ukraine, but prays for Trump’s support

A summit in London is stalked by the fear America will walk away