Moscow: Vladimir Putin had a message for the US and the West after Russia successfully tested its new intercontinental ballistic missile Sarmat on Wednesday.
The Russian President said that this strategic weapon had no analogues elsewhere and would make those who try to threaten Russia amid their invasion of Ukraine think twice.
Putin was shown on TV being briefed by military officials that the missile had been launched from Plesetsk in north-west Russia and hit targets in Kamchatka peninsula in the far east, Reuters reported.
“I congratulate you on the successful launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile,” Putin told the army.
“This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure the security of Russia from external threats and make those who, in the heat of aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country, think twice.”
According to US Congressional Research Service, Sarmat is a heavy Intercontinental Ballistic Missile which Russia can deploy with 10 or more warheads on each missile.
It has been under development for years, but the timing of its testing is significant.
Russia has been talking of the possibility of using nuclear missiles during the ongoing war in Ukraine if it was pushed to a corner by the US and West.
