Moscow, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that developing the nuclear triad is an absolute priority for his country’s security.
He also stressed that Moscow will continue to modernize its strategic capabilities to ensure the maintenance of a balance of deterrence in the face of growing international challenges.
Tensions with NATO have escalated
Putin explained that his country is proceeding with strengthening the three components of its nuclear triad:
intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear-armed submarines, and long-range strategic bombers.
He asserted that this system constitutes “the fundamental guarantee of Russia’s sovereignty.”
The Kremlin’s statements come amid escalating tensions with NATO.
They also come against the backdrop of increasing Western military support for Ukraine.
This reflects Moscow’s determination to project its deterrent power against any actions it perceives as a direct threat to its national security.
Putin and a new arms race
Observers believe that President Putin’s remarks about prioritizing the modernization of the nuclear arsenal carry both political and military messages.
He is reassuring the Russian public about the readiness of its strategic forces
while simultaneously issuing an indirect warning to the West that Moscow will not back down
from strengthening its defense capabilities, regardless of the intensity of pressure and sanctions.
These statements open the door to widespread speculation about a new arms race.
This comes amidst stalled arms control efforts and growing doubts
about the future of nuclear agreements between the major powers.
