Russian President Vladimir Putin

President Vladimir Putin says developing Russia`s nuclear forces is now an "absolute priority" following the expiry of its last remaining nuclear treaty with the US.

"The development of the nuclear triad, which guarantees Russia`s security and ensures effective strategic deterrence and a balance of forces in the world, remains an absolute priority," Putin said in a video speech on Sunday to mark Russia`s "Defender of the Fatherland Day."

Putin pledged to further reinforce the army and navy, and draw on military experience gained during the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine.

Moscow and Washington, the world`s two largest nuclear powers, are no longer bound by any arms control agreement following the expiration of the "New START" agreement earlier this month.

Russia and the US possess more than 90 percent of the world`s nuclear weapons.

As of January 2025, Russia had more than 4300, and the US had approximately 3700 nuclear warheads.

Analysts say both the US and Russia are modernizing their nuclear forces, effectively fueling an arms race already underway.

With nuclear weapons gaining renewed prominence and no breakthrough from talks such as Trump and Putin`s Alaska meeting last year, New START`s end signals a more volatile and dangerous phase in global security.