Putin Commands Nuclear Readiness Amid Rising Global Tensions
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the initiation of maneuvers for the Strategic Nuclear Deterrence Forces, a move reflecting the country's preparations for potential future conflicts. During a televised address, Putin asserted the importance of maintaining a high state of readiness for Russia's nuclear capabilities, emphasizing that his intentions do not include instigating a new arms race.
Putin stated that the actions taken would involve training commands on the management of nuclear arms, incorporating both ballistic and cruise missile launches. He acknowledged the escalated geopolitical tensions and the emergence of new security threats as key motivations for ensuring that Russia's strategic forces remain modern and ready for immediate combat use.
He reaffirmed that the nuclear triad—consisting of intercontinental missiles, nuclear submarines, and strategic aviation—serves as a cornerstone of national defense, providing a reliable guarantee of Russia’s sovereignty. This triad also plays a vital role in maintaining nuclear parity and balancing global military capabilities, which he described as essential components for global stability.
Despite reinforcing Russia's nuclear posture, Putin remarked that the use of nuclear weapons should be viewed as an extreme measure to ensure security. He also communicated Moscow's determination to continually refine and enhance its nuclear arsenal under its state rearmament program, which has seen defense expenditures increase significantly since the onset of the war in Ukraine.
The program aims to introduce new stationary and mobile missile systems that promise enhanced precision and reduced launch times, addressing vulnerabilities against missile defense systems, particularly in light of the United States' defense shield initiatives.
In conclusion, while Putin emphasized Russia's commitment to bolstering its nuclear capabilities with advanced weaponry, he maintained that the current level of readiness stands at 94% and assured that Russia does not intend to plunge into a new arms race, reminiscent of the tensions experienced during the Soviet era.
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