Core Points - The escalating threats of nuclear tests between the U.S. and Russia have raised global concerns about a new arms race, particularly with the New START treaty set to expire on February 4 [1][5] - The New START treaty limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550 for both countries, and there has been no significant progress towards a new agreement [1][5] - Despite ongoing tensions, both nations appear to be adhering to the treaty's limits on strategic nuclear weapons [6] Group 1 - The U.S. and Russia have exchanged provocative statements regarding nuclear tests, with Trump ordering the first U.S. nuclear test in 30 years following Putin's missile test announcement [1] - Trump expressed a positive response to Putin's proposal to extend the New START treaty, but no formal negotiations have taken place since then [3][5] - The U.S. Secretary of State indicated that discussions about potential dialogue regarding the treaty are ongoing, despite Russia's suspension of a key monitoring mechanism [5][6] Group 2 - Experts are concerned that the absence of a new agreement could lead to dangerous miscalculations, as it would be the first time in decades that the U.S. and Russia could deploy long-range nuclear weapons without constraints [6] - Some experts believe that a political agreement to maintain the treaty's limits on deployed warheads could be achieved relatively quickly [6] - There is increasing pressure from Republican officials against extending the treaty, with some arguing that it restricts U.S. modernization of nuclear forces [7][8]

Core Points - The upcoming meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump is primarily focused on addressing the Ukraine crisis and the potential for a ceasefire [1][2] - Trump has expressed skepticism about the meeting's success, estimating only a "25% chance" of achieving a positive outcome, but believes there is a willingness from Putin to reach an agreement [1] - The discussions may involve complex issues, including territorial disputes, although Trump has indicated that the current meeting will not directly address territorial divisions [3][4] Group 1: Ukraine Crisis - The meeting aims to explore solutions to the Ukraine issue, with both sides having engaged in prior discussions [2] - Trump has emphasized the importance of a follow-up meeting involving Ukrainian President Zelensky if progress is made [1] - Both Russia and Ukraine have stated they will not make concessions on territorial issues, complicating the potential for a resolution [5] Group 2: US-Russia Relations - The meeting marks the first face-to-face encounter between US and Russian leaders since June 2021, amidst ongoing sanctions and strained relations due to Russia's military actions in Ukraine [6] - Both leaders have expressed goodwill, with Putin acknowledging US efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis and Trump showing appreciation for Putin's statements [7] - Discussions may also extend to arms control and bilateral cooperation in economic and global security matters [7]

Group 1 - Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the Trump administration's "positive" efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict and hinted at a potential nuclear arms control agreement during the upcoming summit in Alaska [1] - Putin indicated that the talks with the U.S. aim to create conditions for long-term peace between the two countries and globally [1] - The New START treaty, which limits the nuclear arsenals of both nations, is set to expire in February 2026, raising concerns about future arms control agreements [1] Group 2 - Earlier this month, Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to be strategically deployed near Russia in response to provocative statements from Dmitry Medvedev, highlighting the tense relations between the two countries [2] - The summit will include a one-on-one conversation between the two presidents, followed by a working lunch, focusing on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and economic cooperation [2] - European leaders expressed cautious optimism after discussions with Trump, who agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized Ukraine's role in future negotiations [4]

Core Viewpoint - Iran's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency stated that U.S. actions have caused irreparable damage to nuclear arms control [1] Group 1 - The Iranian side emphasizes the negative impact of U.S. strikes on nuclear arms control efforts [1]

Core Viewpoint - Iran claims that the U.S. strikes have caused irreparable damage to nuclear arms control [1] Group 1 - The U.S. actions are perceived by Iran as detrimental to the stability of nuclear agreements [1] - Iran emphasizes the long-term consequences of these strikes on international nuclear non-proliferation efforts [1]

Core Points - Russia is prepared to resume nuclear arms control negotiations with the United States, which were suspended two years ago [1] - The Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Shoigu, indicated that the Trump administration has shown willingness to restore dialogue on strategic stability [1] - New negotiations must address issues such as NATO expansion, the U.S. global missile defense system, and the deployment of ground-based, intermediate-range, and short-range missiles [1]