News Wrap: Trump refuses to extend expiring US-Russia nuclear arms treaty

In our Thursday cover story, Trump rejects an offer from Russia to temporarily extend limits on strategic nuclear weapons, Ukraine and Russia wrap up a second day of talks in Abu Dhabi, the Trump administration strips job protections for thousands of federal employees, Nigeria launches a new military operation against Islamist militants, and Vance cheers on US Olympic athletes in Milan.

William Brangham:

An update to a story we brought you last night. President Trump rejected an offer from Russia to temporarily extend restrictions on strategic nuclear weapons. This comes as a previously monitored treaty called New START expires today.

In a social media post, the president called it – quote – a “poorly negotiated agreement,” adding: “We must have our nuclear experts working on a new, improved, modernized treaty.”

The Kremlin expressed its regret at the expiration of the last nuclear arms agreement between the two countries. A spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations described this dangerous moment.

Stephanie Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations: For the first time in more than half a century, we face a world without any binding restrictions on the strategic arsenals of both the Russian Federation and the United States.

William Brangham:

President Trump has indicated that he wants to include China in any potential new treaty, an idea that Beijing has resisted.

Meanwhile, during today’s talks in Abu Dhabi, the United States and Russia agreed to resume high-level military contacts. These contacts were suspended in 2021 as tensions escalated ahead of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The reinstated channel – quote – “provides a way to increase transparency and de-escalate,” US European Command said in a statement. The agreement came as Ukraine and Russia concluded the second day of US-brokered talks, which US envoy Steve Witkoff described as constructive.

Speaking in Kiev today, alongside the Polish Prime Minister, the Ukrainian president said the two sides also agreed to talk again in the near future.

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine (through translator):

It is important that the process is continuous. We would like to have faster results, but if the next meeting is planned, it means there is an opportunity to continue the dialogue, which of course we very much hope will lead to the end of the war.

William Brangham:

Also today, 150 Ukrainian soldiers, along with seven civilians, were repatriated as part of a prisoner exchange. Ukraine says many of them have been detained since 2022. A similar number of Russians have also been released. Footage published by the Russian Ministry of Defense showed soldiers riding a bus draped in the Russian flag.

The Trump administration is stripping job protections for up to 50,000 federal employees. The final rule published today by the Office of Personnel Management makes it easier for a boss to discipline or fire these workers.

Previously, the president could exercise such powers over only approximately 4,000 political appointees. Agency head Scott Kubor said the new policy advances President Trump’s agenda, adding – quote – “those charged with formulating and implementing policy must be held accountable for results.”

The fallout from the latest release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein is spreading here and abroad.

Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister:

I’m sorry, I’m sorry this happened to you, I’m sorry that so many people in power let you down, I’m sorry that I believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him.

William Brangham:

British Prime Minister Kherson today apologized for appointing Peter Mandelson to be his ambassador to the US, and files later showed that Mandelson was closer to Epstein than previously thought.

The World Economic Forum is investigating its CEO, Borg Brende, over his alleged ties to Epstein. Brindi insists he was completely unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities.

In the United States, Brad Karp is stepping down from his position as head of the influential law firm Paul Weiss due to his appearance in the Epstein documents, although he will remain at the firm.

The Nigerian government says it is launching a new military operation against Islamist militants after more than 160 people were killed during an attack earlier this week. Local officials say this happened in two Muslim-majority villages in Kwara State, and that the victims were killed because of their resistance to extremist ideology. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but officials suspect the presence of various Islamist military groups.

Separately, in Nigeria’s Kaduna state, officials say all 183 Christians kidnapped from three different churches last month have now been released.

On Wall Street today, stocks struggled amid continued weakness in technology stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell about 600 points. The Nasdaq fell about 360 points during the day. The S&P 500 finished lower for the sixth time in seven sessions.

Vice President J.D. Vance told the U.S. Olympians in Milan today that the Games are one of the few things that unites the entire country.

Vice President J.D. Vance:

The entire country, Democrat, Republican and Independent, we are all rooting for you, rooting for you and knowing that you will make us proud. So thank you all, I hope you guys enjoy.

William Brangham:

Vance and the second family also cheered on the USA women’s hockey team in its opening round game against the Czech Republic. The US women won easily 5-1.