Senior diplomats from the United States and Russia are scheduled to meet in Geneva in July for a new round of arms control discussions, according to Reuters. The talks are expected to focus on early steps toward extending or replacing the New START treaty, which is set to expire in 2026.

The agreement remains the last major nuclear arms reduction pact between the two countries, though relations have been strained by wider geopolitical tensions and Russia’s war against Ukraine. Any progress in Geneva would likely depend on whether both sides can agree on a framework for future limits and verification.

The planned meeting suggests that even amid deep mistrust, Washington and Moscow still see value in keeping a channel open on nuclear risk reduction. For civilians around the world, the stakes are high: breakdowns in arms control can increase the danger of miscalculation and escalation.

Officials have not disclosed a detailed agenda, and the discussions are described as preliminary. Still, the talks may offer one of the few remaining opportunities to preserve a guardrail against a renewed nuclear buildup.