- A key nuclear arms control treaty between the US and Russia is expiring on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
- The treaty caps the number of nuclear warheads and delivery systems for both countries, and its expiration could lead to no limits on their capabilities.
- The US wants China to be included in any new arms control agreement, but progress has been lacking, raising concerns about a potential nuclear arms race.

A: Hey, did you hear about something serious happening soon?
B: No! What's up?

A: Apparently, a big agreement between the US and Russia about nuclear weapons is ending this Thursday.
B: Wow, really? What does that mean?

A: It’s called New START. It basically limits how many nukes they each can have.
B: So, they're kind of keeping each other in check?

A: Exactly! Now, Russia wants to extend it for another year.
B: That’s good, right?

A: Maybe! But Trump, the former president, seemed okay with it ending. He was like, "If it ends, it ends."
B: Seriously? That's a bit scary!

A: It is! If the treaty expires, they can build as many nukes as they want.
B: That's... a lot of power.

A: Right? And now the US wants China to be involved in any new agreement.
B: China? Why them?

A: Because they also have nuclear weapons. The US thinks you can't control weapons properly without China’s help.
B: Makes sense. Everyone’s worried about a new arms race, huh?

A: Yep. All three countries – the US, Russia, and China – are building new missiles.
B: Oh dear. Let's hope they can sort something out quickly!