New START Treaty Expires: Fears of Arms Race Surge as Russia Unshackles Nuclear Limits – 2/5/2026, 4:24:30 PM

Key world news stories as of February 5, 2026, include the expiration of the New START nuclear arms treaty, an EU-Japan-US critical minerals partnership, arrests in France for alleged Chinese spying, and a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine.[1][2][4]

Nuclear Arms Control

Russia announced on February 4 that it is “no longer bound” by New START limits on nuclear warheads, as the treaty expires today, freeing both Russia and the US from restrictions and raising fears of a new arms race.[1] President Putin had offered to extend compliance for a year, but received no US response.[1]

Geopolitics and Ukraine

EU countries agreed to a €90 billion loan for Ukraine’s 2026-2027 financial and military needs, with first payments targeted for early April.[2][4] Estonia’s president called for an EU special envoy in Russia-Ukraine peace talks, amid mixed EU views on reopening diplomacy with Russia; countries like France and Italy support it, while Germany opposes.[2]

Trade and Security

The US, EU, and Japan launched a critical minerals partnership on February 4 to counter China’s dominance, focusing on trade policies like price floors for rare earths used in tech and defense.[1]

French authorities arrested four people, including two Chinese nationals, on January 31 for allegedly spying on military data via satellites like Starlink from an Airbnb.[1]

US Domestic News with Global Ties

Ryan Routh, who attempted to assassinate President Trump in 2024, was sentenced to life in prison on February 4 after a 2025 conviction.[1] The Washington Post began layoffs on February 4, cutting its sports desk and international coverage amid financial losses.[1]

Other Developments

Spain plans to ban social media for children under 16, requiring platforms to enforce age verification.[2] Severe weather from Storm Leonardo caused floods and evacuations in Spain and Portugal.[4] NBC reported a positive Trump call with Chinese leaders discussing Taiwan, Russia, and Ukraine, with China urging US caution on Taiwan.[3]