MOSCOW : Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a major expansion of Russia’s strategic nuclear capability, vowing to continue the modernization and strengthening of the country’s nuclear forces amid a shifting global landscape.
In a statement released on Thursday, Putin emphasized that modern ballistic missile systems remain a cornerstone of Russia’s defense strategy. He confirmed that the development of new weapons systems will proceed unabated to ensure the nation’s long-term security.
“In the context of the changing global situation, Russia will not allow its defense and nuclear power to weaken,” Putin said. “We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect national security.”
The president’s announcement follows a successful test of Russia’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the ‘Sarmat’, which was carried out yesterday. According to Russian officials, the Sarmat is capable of striking targets up to 35,000 kilometers away—a range that would allow it to reach virtually any location on Earth. Officials also claim the missile can defeat even the world’s most advanced defense systems.
Russian media reports highlight that the Sarmat is designed to carry multiple independently targetable nuclear warheads. Its combination of extreme speed and a sophisticated flight trajectory makes it exceptionally difficult to intercept, according to Russian sources.
