Russia to Add 40 Intercontinental Missiles to Its Nuclear Arsenal

The President of Russia explicitly emphasized the country's nuclear power while continuing tensions with the West over the Ukraine crisis, announcing that 40 new intercontinental missiles will be added to the Russian army's arsenal this year. According to the Associated Press, Vladimir Putin made this announcement on Tuesday, June 16, during a speech at a weapons exhibition in western Moscow, aimed at showcasing the 'revival of Russia's military power.' He stated that the Russian army will soon test a 'missile warning system' designed to monitor military movements at Russia's western borders, with plans to deploy this system in eastern Russia as well. He added, 'This year, 40 new intercontinental missiles capable of penetrating the most advanced missile defense systems will be added to Russia's nuclear arsenal.' According to the Russian Defense Minister, 38 new intercontinental missiles were delivered to the Russian army last year as part of the country's plans to modernize its aging missile arsenal left over from the Soviet Union. Vladimir Putin further stated that arms modernization programs would lead to economic growth and encourage inventions. However, independent experts warn that Russia's plans to rebuild the country's military capabilities, expected to cost around $400 billion by 2020, will be a heavy burden on the Russian economy amid the current recession. The report indicates that despite the poor state of the Russian economy, arms companies showcased expensive projects at this exhibition that even the former Soviet Union could not afford. The Russian Navy presented a plan to produce an aircraft carrier capable of carrying 90 aircraft. Additionally, they unveiled another ambitious plan to build assault ships similar to the French 'Mistral' vessels, the delivery of which to Russia is currently suspended due to the consequences of the Ukraine crisis. The Associated Press adds that amid ongoing tensions between the West and Russia, Washington accused the Russian government of violating the nuclear arms control agreement by testing a ground-to-air missile of the cruise model. Russia denied this accusation and counter-accused the U.S. of violating the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with certain elements of its missile defense system. Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported on Tuesday, citing the Deputy Defense Minister of Russia, that the country is willing to discuss mutual complaints and accusations, adding that the U.S. government has not yet provided details of the recent accusations. Under the influence of the Ukraine crisis, the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula to Russia, and Moscow's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, relations between Russia and the West are at their worst since the end of the Cold War. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed economic sanctions on Russia, and the U.S. and its NATO allies have taken retaliatory actions against Russia's policies. The three Baltic countries have requested NATO to deploy ground forces in their countries to counter any potential 'Russian aggression.' The Polish Defense Minister also stated on Sunday that he and the U.S. Defense Secretary have discussed 'the deployment of U.S. heavy equipment on Polish soil.' Russia has warned that the deployment of U.S. military equipment and heavy weapons near its borders will create dangerous instability in Europe. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated on Tuesday, 'The U.S. government has encouraged tensions and is trying to exploit the current crisis to expand its military influence and presence by strengthening Russia-phobia among its European allies. We hope that rationality prevails and saves Europe from slipping into a military confrontation that could have dangerous consequences.' In this context, Russia has expressed 'serious' concern over the slowdown in Iran's nuclear negotiations.