Recent diplomatic contacts between U.S. and Russian officials, including September 2026 meetings involving Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev with Treasury and Energy Department representatives, have centered on resolving the Ukraine conflict alongside potential post-war energy cooperation and sanctions considerations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on September 28 that bilateral arms control talks are long overdue and would require extended expert negotiations, following the February 2026 expiration of New START without a replacement or extension of its central limits. U.S. President Trump has advocated trilateral discussions that include China, but Beijing has repeatedly declined participation due to its smaller arsenal. These developments occur against persistent differences over Ukraine, shaping trader views on the timeline and feasibility of any new verifiable strategic arms control agreement.