Putin hails Russia's test launch of new ICBM known as Satan II, calls it "most powerful missile in the world"

Key Points:

• Russia test-fired the new intercontinental ballistic missile Sarmat, intended to modernize its nuclear forces and replace the aging Voyevoda missile, with President Putin claiming it is the most powerful missile globally and will enter combat service by the end of the year.
• The Sarmat missile features advanced capabilities, including a payload capacity of up to 10 tons, suborbital flight with a range exceeding 21,700 miles, and high precision designed to penetrate missile defenses.
• This launch follows Putin's recent statement that the conflict in Ukraine is nearing an end, despite ongoing tensions and Russia's continued nuclear weapons development since 2000.
• The expiration of the last nuclear arms pact between Russia and the U.S. in February has removed limits on their nuclear arsenals, raising concerns about an unchecked arms race between the world's two largest nuclear powers.
• Russia's broader nuclear modernization includes hypersonic glide vehicles, nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missiles, and novel weapons like the Poseidon underwater drone and Burevestnik cruise missile, developed partly in response to U.S. missile defense systems.