According to reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Monday that the development of was an “absolute priority” as he outlined his country’s stance on its weapons program.
As Russia marked Defender of the Fatherland Day, the Russian leader discussed bolstering the nation’s nuclear capabilities before presenting state honors to officers involved in the invasion of Ukraine, the reported.
During his speech, Putin referenced the Russian nuclear triad— the country’s three-pronged system for deploying nuclear weapons, designed to ensure a credible second-strike capability.
Putin described its development as an “absolute priority,” saying it “guarantees Russia’s security and ensures effective strategic deterrence and a balance of forces in the world.”
Putin also emphasized that his country would continue to strengthen its army and navy, “taking into account developments in the international situation and drawing on combat experience,” amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
He added that Russia would also “significantly” enhance the capabilities of , improving their combat readiness, mobility, and ability to operate in all conditions—even the most challenging.
“And, of course, we will accelerate the development of advanced systems for the armed forces,” he added.
Putin’s remarks came after Russia suspended its participation in the on February 5, 2023—the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between Moscow and Washington.
limited the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems each country could possess.
Russian officials have said they will continue to take a “responsible” approach to managing their strategic nuclear arsenal and will respect previously established limits.
Putin’s announcement came after warned that the Russian leader had effectively launched “World War III” with his invasion of Ukraine four years ago.
“I believe Putin has already started it. The question is how much territory he can seize and how to stop him… Putin won’t stop at Ukraine,” Zelenskyy told the in an interview on February 23.
Zelenskyy described the war as part of Putin’s broader attempt to impose a “different way of life” on the world.
“Stopping Putin today and preventing him from occupying Ukraine is a victory for the whole world,” he said.
However, when asked about the possibility of ceding the embattled Donbas region to Moscow as part of a peace deal, he warned that Russia would likely rebuild its military strength within “no more than a couple of years” and launch another invasion.
“Where would he go next? We do not know, but that he would want to continue [the war] is a fact,” Zelenskyy said.