Russia tests launch of a new long-range missile carrying nuclear warheads

On Tuesday (May 12th), Russia test-fired a new long-range missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Just a few months ago, the last treaty limiting the nuclear arsenals of Russia and the United States had expired.

AFP reported that in February this year, the termination of the New START Treaty officially lifted a series of restrictions on the two nuclear powers of the world.

After receiving the report of the successful launch of the "Sarmat" intercontinental ballistic missile, Russian President Putin declared: "This is the most powerful missile system in the world."

He said that the warhead carried by this missile has a power more than four times that of the existing warheads used by Western armies. He also added that the "Sarmat" missile will be put into "combat use" by the end of this year.

Since its first test launch in 2022, Putin has repeatedly claimed that the "Sarmat" would be deployed by the end of the year, but these plans have yet to materialize to this day.

Bodvigg, a senior researcher at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, said that Russia's deployment of the largest missile this year is a reality, but this will not lead to "a significant change in the deterrent potential of Russia's strategic forces".

According to TASS, the Kremlin said it had informed the United States about this launch.

Although Moscow and Washington agreed to resume high-level military dialogue shortly after the expiration of the New START Treaty, there are currently no indications that the two sides will immediately renew or extend the treaty.

US President Trump has repeatedly urged the signing of a new treaty that includes China, but Beijing has publicly refused.

Regarding Russia's call for extending the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, Trump has remained silent. Both the United States and Russia have repeatedly accused each other of failing to abide by the treaty.

"Sarmat" is the first intercontinental ballistic missile produced by Russia in the post-Soviet era and classified as a super-heavyweight missile. It is said to have a range of up to 35,000 kilometers.