Russia and U.S. agree quick nuclear arms talks are needed

Russian and U.S. negotiators met in Abu Dhabi and said new nuclear arms control talks should begin quickly after the New START treaty expired, leaving no formal limits on the two largest arsenals.

Russian and U.S. negotiators met in Abu Dhabi and agreed there is a need to begin new nuclear arms control talks quickly. The meeting came after the New START treaty expired, a pact that had capped deployed warheads and delivery systems. Its expiration leaves no formal limits on the two largest nuclear arsenals for the first time in decades. U.S. officials said China should be involved in any future agreement and accused Beijing of covert testing; China denied those allegations and has declined to join negotiations at this stage. Key facts: - The New START treaty expired, ending its limits on deployed U.S. and Russian nuclear forces. - Russian and U.S. negotiators met in Abu Dhabi and agreed both sides see a need to start arms control talks quickly. - The Kremlin said any extension of treaty limits would have to be formal rather than informal. - U.S. officials urged China’s inclusion in a future pact and alleged covert tests; China rejected the claims and said it will not participate now. Summary: The talks signal both countries want to revive arms control dialogue after New START's expiration. Undetermined at this time.