Trump and Putin agreed to cooperate on nuclear nonproliferation, potentially impacting North Korea’s nuclear issue, amidst the New START treaty’s expiration. While some view this cooperation as a hopeful step, significant challenges, including geopolitical tensions and North Korea’s own nuclear ambitions, complicate the situation.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently reached an agreement on nuclear nonproliferation during a phone call. This agreement raises questions about the potential impact on North Korea’s nuclear program. Putin has temporarily halted strikes on Ukraine’s energy targets, aiming for peace as discussions on strategic weapon proliferation continue.
The White House emphasized the leaders’ commitment to halting the spread of strategic weapons, while Russia highlighted the need for cooperation on global security. South Korea is closely monitoring this situation, as it has struggled to persuade North Korea to abandon its advancing nuclear program.
The urgency of their discussions is underscored by the impending expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which limits U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals and is set to expire in February 2024. The treaty has been effectively inactive since Putin announced Russia’s suspension of participation in 2023, contingent upon U.S. military support for Ukraine.
In the past, the Trump administration withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), citing Russian noncompliance. Trump has expressed interest in nuclear disarmament talks with both Russia and China, envisioning a potential process for denuclearization involving these countries.
Despite the prospects for Trump and Putin’s cooperation on nonproliferation, the North Korean nuclear issue poses significant challenges. Patrick Cronin from the Hudson Institute suggests that while diplomatic attempts are commendable, ongoing tensions, including conflicts in other regions, complicate the peace process.
Concerns arise regarding Trump’s focus, as he has labeled North Korea a nuclear power, suggesting a pragmatic approach rather than pursuing complete disarmament. Victor Cha from the Center for Strategic and International Studies expresses doubt about Trump’s dedication to denuclearization, given North Korea’s extensive nuclear capabilities.
Even with U.S.-Russia cooperation on arms control, North Korea’s willingness to negotiate remains uncertain, especially as it looks to Moscow for support amid international sanctions. Concurrently, the U.S. seeks to address the rapid expansion of China’s nuclear capabilities, with projections indicating China may possess up to 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, further complicating international nuclear stability negotiations.
The agreement between Trump and Putin signifies a potential shift in nuclear nonproliferation efforts but raises questions regarding its effectiveness in addressing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. With the New START treaty nearing expiration and increasing security tensions, the repercussions of this collaboration warrant careful consideration. The involvement of North Korea and China adds additional complexity, and while the prospect of dialogue is hopeful, significant challenges lie ahead in achieving lasting peace and security in the region.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
