Putin vows to boost Russia's nuclear forces

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the country on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day (celebrated on 23 February in Russia), the transcript is published on the Kremlin’s official website.

He particularly pledged to continue bolstering the nation’s nuclear forces.

“As before, we will put our focus on strengthening the nuclear triad. This year, the first Sarmat missile system launchers with the new heavy missile will be put on combat duty. We will continue full production of the Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic systems and begin mass deployment of Tsirkon sea-launched hypersonic missiles,” he said.

Moreover, Putin vowed that three more nuclear-powered submarines will soon be delivered to the naval forces.

The Russian leader also thanked the military personnel currently deployed to Ukraine who, he claimed, are defending “our people in our historical lands”.

“Millions of people are following their hearts as they help our frontline soldiers, and this unbreakable unity is the key to our victory,” Putin believes.

On 22 February, Russia’s lower house of parliament unanimously voted to suspend Russia’s participation in New START, the last nuclear arms reduction treaty signed between Russia and the US. Putin announced the move a day earlier while delivering his annual address to the Russian parliament. Putin pointed the finger at the US, saying that Washington was engaged in developing new types of nuclear armaments and contemplated nuclear tests.