Russia is reinforcing its nuclear and military assets in the Arctic and building new facilities near the Finnish border, Finland’s Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen declared. Speaking at the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2026, he also added that the Arctic is “critical” for European defense.
Häkkänen was referring to Russia’s military infrastructure in the Kola Peninsula, where much of its maritime nuclear arsenal, submarines, and long-range bombers are based. He said new infrastructure along Finland’s border reassembles Cold War-era activity.
Indeed, in early February 2026, the New START US-Russia nuclear pact expired. Known officially as the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, its demise effectively leaves the two superpowers with no control over their nuclear arsenals.
The ending of this key nuclear treaty releases both Moscow and Washington from a raft of restrictions on their nuclear capabilities, and it couldn't have happened at a worst time, the United Nations has warned.
So, why isn't this vital bilateral agreement being renewed, and what are the potential consequences for world peace? To find out, click on and learn more about the end of START.