The World and Everything In It 2.17.26 Russia’s expanding nuclear arsenal, lowering prescription drug costs, backing farmers’ right to repair, and the fatal takeoff of a UPS flight
Feb 17, 2026
Albert Mueller, World Opinions editor, gives analysis of Marco Rubio's civilizational framing. Andrea Stricker, nuclear policy expert, compares U.S. and Russian arsenals and proliferation risks. Mary Muncy, health policy reporter, covers the TrumpRx drug pricing plan. Clint Armani, aviation correspondent, recounts the fatal UPS Flight 2976 takeoff and local impacts.
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Loss Of Predictable Nuclear Limits
- The New START expiration removes predictable limits and inspections on U.S.-Russia deployed warheads and delivery systems.
- Andrea Stricker warns this increases uncertainty and pressures the U.S. to reassess its nuclear posture amid novel Russian delivery systems.
Russia's Tactical Weapons And Novel Delivery Threats
- Russia now fields many more tactical (non-strategic) nuclear weapons and novel delivery systems not constrained by the treaty.
- Stricker says the U.S. must modernize and adjust deterrence for a trilateral rivalry including China.
European Pressure To Reconsider Deterrence
- Treaty expiration may push Europeans to reconsider independent deterrence or closer collaboration among France, Germany, and the UK.
- Stricker links weakened U.S.-NATO ties to European proliferation pressure.