Vladimir Putin on Thursday unveiled plans to expand Russia’s nuclear arsenal by deploying new missiles known as Satan II — as Ukraine’s forces repelled dozens of Russian assaults along the front line on the eve of the first anniversary of the war.
“As before, we will pay increased attention to strengthening the nuclear triad,” Putin said in an address marking the Defender of the Fatherland Day, referring to nuclear missiles based on land, sea and in the air.
“We will continue mass production of air-based hypersonic Kinzhal systems and will start mass supplies of sea-based Zircon hypersonic missiles,” he added.
Putin’s comments talking up the country’s arsenal came just days after he suspended Russia’s participation in the New START nuclear arms control pact with the US.
