Analysis: Putin leaving nuclear treaty is a reminder that he has — and can use — nuclear bombs

WASHINGTON — It seemed to be a scary example of bellicose warmongering foreshadowing a catastrophic escalation. But Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement this week that he was abandoning the last major nuclear arms control treaty may have been more symbolic than a threat of concrete action.

Symbolic, but a mighty potent symbol. And one that may signal an end to global arms control agreements.

"Big mistake," President Joe Biden said Wednesday in Warsaw when asked about Putin's comments.

At the end of a rambling speech Tuesday on the state of the nation, Putin said Russia was "suspending" its participation in the New START treaty, a 2011 pact in which Russia and the United States agreed to limits