President Vladimir Putin emphasized on Sunday that the advancement of Russia’s nuclear capabilities has become a top priority following the conclusion of its last nuclear agreement with the United States. In a video address, Putin stated that enhancing the nuclear triad is crucial for Russia’s defense and to maintain a strategic deterrence balance globally.
Putin’s remarks were made on Russia’s “Defender of the Fatherland Day,” a holiday marked with military ceremonies and patriotic displays sponsored by the Kremlin. He reiterated the commitment to fortify the armed forces, drawing on the lessons learned from the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
The President pledged to bolster the military branches, focusing on enhancing their combat readiness, mobility, and operational effectiveness in diverse conditions. This commitment to military improvement comes just before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, which initiated a devastating conflict resulting in significant casualties and displacement.
With the expiration of the New START treaty earlier this month, Russia and the United States, as the leading nuclear powers, are no longer bound by any arms control agreements. Despite this, Russia affirmed its dedication to a responsible approach towards its nuclear capabilities, pledging to adhere to the prescribed limits on its arsenal.
Furthermore, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Putin for his actions, denouncing the brutality of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the eve of the conflict’s anniversary.
