On Monday, Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, urged the Trump administration to engage in discussions about nuclear disarmament with Russia, claiming that this is “the only real path away from nuclear holocaust.”
Referring to a new film titled “A House of Dynamite,” which depicts the government’s actions in the face of a potential nuclear crisis, Markey maintained that “long-range missile defense will not protect us.”
He pointed out that the U.S. has invested hundreds of billions in long-range missile defense systems, none of which have proven reliable. “Inflated contracts continue, lobbyists reap the rewards, and somehow, the public holds onto hope,” he remarked.
Markey emphasized that the foundational logic of this defense approach is flawed, suggesting that such systems will not work and that they complicate efforts to diminish the nuclear threats we confront.
The Hill has reached out to the White House for their response regarding Markey’s comments.
Looking ahead, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the U.S. and Russia, which came into force in 2011, is set to expire in February 2026. This treaty placed limits on the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear warheads, and other offensive arms held by both nations.
Earlier this month, Markey along with 20 other legislators sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging an active effort to negotiate a new arms reduction agreement with Russia following the expiration of New START.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated last month that he would adhere to the treaty’s limits until February 2027, should the U.S. reciprocate. President Trump remarked that he finds Putin’s suggestion “seems like a good idea to me.”
The group of lawmakers, which includes a small number of Republicans, with notable mention of Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky, asserted in their letter that maintaining the one-year informal extension is “the strongest interim approach.” However, they also called for a negotiation process for a replacement treaty.
According to recent data, the U.S. and Russia together hold about 87% of the world’s nuclear arsenal and roughly 83% of military-capable warheads. The United States has more than 5,100 warheads, with about 3,700 active or reserved, while Russia has over 5,400, with more than 4,300 in similar status, as reported by the Federation of American Scientists.
