President Vladimir Putin emphasized on Sunday that the development of Russia’s nuclear capabilities has become a top priority subsequent to the termination of its last nuclear agreement with the United States. In a video address on Russia’s “Defender of the Fatherland Day,” Putin highlighted the significance of the nuclear triad in safeguarding Russia’s security, maintaining strategic deterrence, and upholding a global balance of power.
Putin reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering the country’s military forces, drawing from the experiences gained during the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. He pledged to enhance all branches of the armed forces, focusing on improving their combat readiness, mobility, and operational effectiveness under diverse conditions.
The timing of Putin’s remarks, just preceding the fourth anniversary of Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, underscored the ongoing tensions in the region. With the expiration of the New START treaty earlier in the month, both Moscow and Washington find themselves without any arms control agreements. Despite this, Russia expressed its intention to handle its strategic nuclear capabilities responsibly and adhere to the prescribed limits on its arsenal.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned Putin’s actions as “utter barbarity” in a speech delivered a day before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.