UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. (Photo: Reuters)

Mr. Guterres said that although the total number of nuclear weapons has been decreasing for decades, some 14,000 are stockpiled around the world, which threatens a new arm race and confronts the world with the highest level of nuclear risk in almost four decades.

He praised Russia and the US for extending the New START and engaging in dialogue, calling the decision a sign of hope.

On February 4, just two days before its expiration, the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty between the US and Russia was extended for another 5 years.