Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to increase military production to maintain the offensive in Ukraine and anticipated the commissioning this year of its latest model of intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Sarmat, a system that would have experienced some failures, according to US sources.
“We pay particular attention, as always, to the reinforcement of the nuclear triad. This year, the first launchers of the Sarmat missile system will be put into service,” said the Russian leader in a video published on the eve of the first anniversary of his invasion of Ukraine and on the occasion of Defenders of the Fatherland Day.
On Tuesday, in a highly anticipated annual speech, Putin had announced the commissioning of other nuclear systems without specifying which ones and the suspension of Russia’s participation in the New Smart treaty.the last bilateral nuclear disarmament agreement with the United States, recalled the AFP news agency.
The Sarmat, whose commissioning had been announced for 2022, was described in April by Putin as a missile capable of “failing all anti-aircraft systems” and “will make those who try to threaten” Russia think twice.
The system is part of the series of missiles presented in 2018 as “invincible” by the Russian president.
The Sarmat, dubbed Satan II by Westerners, has almost unlimited range, Putin has said on several occasions.
However, according to CNN, which quotes US officials on condition of anonymity, the latest Sarmat trial failed this week.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov declined to comment on the revelations on Thursday.
“All the information that deserves to be made public is processed through the channel of the Defense Ministry,” said the spokesman, while warning against Western “provocations.”
In the video released on Thursday, Putin also stated that the army is the “guarantor” of the stability of the Russian state and promised to increase military industrial production to meet its needs in Ukraine.
“A modern and efficient army and navy are the guarantor of the security and sovereignty of the country, the guarantor of its stable development and its future,” he declared.
“Therefore, as before, we will pay priority attention to strengthening our defense capabilities,” he added.
The Russian army is attempting to return to the offensive in the Donbass in eastern Ukraine after a series of military setbacks.
The Russian president said he wanted to “lead the high-quality and balanced development of all components of the armed forces” by equipping his troops with “new attack systems, reconnaissance and communication equipment, drones and artillery systems.”
The Russian army has suffered heavy losses since the start of the offensive in Ukraine a year ago.
After a series of military setbacks, Putin mobilized at least 300,000 reservists starting in September and many observers expect another major offensive in the coming weeks.
