Global nuclear stability is entering one of its most dangerous phases in modern history. With the New START treaty officially expired, the last remaining arms control agreement limiting the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals, the global security framework is now without formal restrictions for the first time in over five decades. The crisis has deepened after the United States accused China of secretly conducting covert nuclear explosive tests. US officials allege that Beijing prepared explosive nuclear tests with yields reaching hundreds of tons, claiming these actions violate long-standing international commitments to suspend nuclear testing. WATCH 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued his toughest ultimatum yet in the nearly four-year war, declaring that Russia will halt its offensive only if Ukraine withdraws from every territory Moscow claims as its own — or face a full military takeover. The announcement comes as Russian forces push deeper into eastern Ukraine, claiming new encirclements that Kyiv flatly denies.