Trump Says He’s in Talks With Russia and China about Denuclearization
US President Donald Trump has said that United States is holding discussions with Russia and China about denuclearization. He made the comments during an interview on October 15, 2026, and described the overall nuclear situation as a shame. Trump added that he would support denuclearization if it were possible, while confirming that Washington is talking to both Moscow and Beijing on the issue.
The development is significant because Russia, United States, and China possess the world’s largest nuclear stockpiles. Russia has the most stored nuclear warheads, followed by United States and China, while United States has more deployed warheads than Russia. Trump also said he expects China to “catch up” with United States in nuclear capability within the next five years.
Denuclearization Talks follow after New START expires
Trump’s remarks come months after the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, widely known as New START, expired earlier in 2026. The treaty was signed in 2010 and placed limits on US and Russian strategic nuclear weapons. It allowed only one extension, which former President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to for five years.
That final extension ended when New START expired on February 5, 2026, there is currently no successor treaty maintaining those limits between Washington and Moscow. Any future extension of the treaty’s restrictions would require an executive decision to voluntarily continue them. This makes Trump’s statement about renewed discussions especially important for the future of nuclear arms control.
Trump frames China as a key player in nuclear talks
In February, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said any new arms control pact should include China, even though its arsenal is far smaller. Trump has confirmed that he has spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping about denuclearization. However, Trump gave no details about the format, timetable, or concrete goals of the discussions. It also remains unclear whether the talks could lead to a formal agreement, verification measures, or limits on specific weapons systems.
For now, Trump’s comments signal an intention to reopen diplomatic channels on one of the world’s most dangerous security issues. Ultimately, Trump’s comments revive the question of nuclear disarmament at a time when the main treaty limiting US and Russian strategic arms has expired. The outcome of any talks involving Washington, Moscow, and Beijing could shape global security, deterrence policy, and the future of arms control for years to come.
Web Resources on Trump Denuclearization Talks
1. Reuters : Trump says he is talking to Russia and China about denuclearization.
2. The Straits Times : Trump says he is talking to Russia and China about denuclearisation.