Russia tests nuclear-capable long-range missile, US says test was ‘routine’

Russia on Wednesday successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, a move that many see as a warning to the West over its stance on the war in the eastern European country.

A triumphant Vladimir Putin was shown on state television announcing the successful test of the Sarmat ICBM, which was reportedly launched from Plesetsk in Russia’s northwest and hit targets in the Kamchatka peninsula in the far east of the country, more than 5,000 kilometres away from its place of launch.

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“I congratulate you on the successful launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile,” Putin was quoted as saying on live television.

“The new [missile] has the highest tactical and technical characteristics and is capable of overcoming all modern means of anti-missile defence. It has no analogues in the world and won’t have for a long time to come,” the 69-year-old added, commenting on the capabilities of the Sarmat ICBM.

“This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure the security of Russia from external threats, and make those who – in the heat of aggressive rhetoric – try to threaten our country think twice,” the Russian President said in a dire warning to Moscow’s enemies.

Russia’s successful test of the nuclear-capable Sarmat ICBM comes days after Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that Moscow would consider the use of nuclear weapons in the event of an existential threat to the country.

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However, the test has not been perceived as a threat to the US, and Washington said that Moscow had “properly notified” it of the test under the provisions of the the 2011 New START treaty.

“Testing is routine and it was not a surprise. Of course, the department remains focused on Russia’s unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine,” US Department of Defense spokesperson John Kirby told the press, commenting on the Sarmat test.