Russia deploys Sarmat nuclear warhead for combat duty

Moscow – Yury Borisov, head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, provided information that Russia has announced the deployment of its most advanced nuclear warhead, Sarmat, at the conflict forefront. Twenty-four hours ago, the United States had decided to increase its nuclear capabilities in Europe to defeat Russia and had hinted at deploying an atomic bomb in the United Kingdom. Thus, Russia’s announcement of the deployment of Sarmat after this drew attention.

Against the backdrop of the one-year completion of the Ukraine conflict six months ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin had explicitly put forth the issue of Russia’s nuclear readiness. Besides, the Russian President had said then, ‘We pay special attention, as before, to strengthening the nuclear triad. This year, the first launchers of the Sarmat missile system will be put on combat duty.’ Sarmat seems to have been deployed accordingly.

Moreover, President Putin ordered the Russian nuclear forces to remain alert at the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict last year. Since then, in the last one-and-a-half years, Russia has conducted three rounds of its nuclear force exercises and twice tested an advanced nuclear warhead called Sarmat. After this, Sarmat, with its nuclear capability, has now been included as well.

As the Russo-Ukraine conflict continued, Russia regularly tried to pressure Western nations, including Ukraine, by referring to its nuclear capability. It had come to the fore that the Russian nuclear preparedness issue has proved to be a shock and reason behind the postponement of several decisions by the US and European country Ukraine, which are aware of Russia’s nuclear capability.

In response to Russia’s nuclear readiness, the US had indicated to increase its nuclear deployment in Europe. Furthermore, Russia seems to have retaliated by announcing the deployment of Sarmat.