The Moscow Treaty, officially titled the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (SORT), aimed to reduce the nuclear arsenals of the United States and Russia significantly. Signed on May 24, 2002, by President George W. Bush and President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin, the treaty represented a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations following the Cold War. The agreement required both countries to reduce their operational nuclear warheads to a range of 1,700 to 2,200 by 2012. This was part of a broader strategy to move away from the decades-long standoff between the two superpowers towards a more cooperative relationship, with a particular focus on the emerging threat of global terrorism.The signing ceremony also underscored a personal rapport between Bush and Putin, which was a notable aspect of their leadership styles. Their discussions highlighted a shift in priorities for both nations, aimed at addressing contemporary security threats rather than focusing solely on the legacy of previous confrontations. The treaty lacked verification measures, prompting criticism regarding its effectiveness and enforceability. However, it was a symbolic representation of a commitment to strategic stability and cooperation that had once seemed unthinkable during the height of the Cold War.In addition to its immediate nuclear implications, the Moscow Treaty created a framework for further discussions on arms control, though various factors, including geopolitical tensions, would later challenge this framework. The treaty demonstrated the evolving dynamic of international relations in the early 21st century and laid the groundwork for ongoing dialogues concerning global security mechanisms between the two nations.