The world’s biggest nuclear powers were due to sign a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty two and a half months ago.
Both sides insisted a breakthrough was close, but resetting relations between these old enemies was proving more difficult than U.S. President Barack Obama might have hoped.
Russia recently embarked on a campaign of military muscle flexing. It regarded America’s missile defense plans in Europe as a threat, and threats must be countered with shows of strength.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Russia must develop new offensive weapons to counter the proposed U.S. missile shield.