Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the successful test launch of Russia’s new Sarmat nuclear missile on Tuesday. He described the weapon as the world’s most powerful strategic missile during televised remarks from Moscow. The announcement matters because the missile strengthens Russia’s nuclear deterrence amid growing tensions with Western nations.

State television showed Strategic Missile Forces commander Sergei Karakayev reporting the launch results to Putin. Karakayev said the Sarmat missile system would significantly boost Russia’s ground-based nuclear capabilities. Putin announced that Russia planned to place the missile on combat duty before the end of 2026.

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According to Putin, the missile carries a warhead stronger than any comparable Western system. He claimed the missile could travel more than 35,000 kilometres and evade existing missile defence systems. The Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile is designed to strike targets across the United States and Europe.

Meanwhile, the launch comes months after the New START treaty between Russia and the United States expired. The agreement previously limited the nuclear arsenals of the world’s two largest atomic powers. Security analysts in Western countries have questioned several Russian claims regarding advanced nuclear weapon capabilities.

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Furthermore, the Sarmat programme has faced technical setbacks during earlier testing stages. Western experts reported that a 2024 launch failure created a large crater near the missile silo. Since the Ukraine war began in 2022, Putin has repeatedly highlighted Russia’s nuclear strength to deter stronger Western involvement.