The United States and Russia are planning to keep observing the New START nuclear arms control treaty, even after its expiration. 

This means there are now no legal guardrails on U.S.- Russian nuclear stockpiles for the first time in decades. 

Negotiations in Abu Dhabi aimed to have both sides continue following the treaty’s limits on deployed warheads and delivery systems.

This formal extension isn’t legally possible without new approval, but the agreement would likely have both countries observe the deal’s terms for several more months while exploring updates.