Putin declares nuclear forces Russia’s top priority now

MOSCOW (Web Desk) – President Vladimir Putin declared that strengthening Russia’s nuclear forces is now an “absolute priority,” following the expiration of the country’s last remaining nuclear treaty with the United States.

“The development of the nuclear triad, which guarantees Russia’s security and ensures effective strategic deterrence and a global balance of forces, remains an absolute priority,” Putin said in a video address.

His remarks coincided with Russia’s “Defender of the Fatherland Day,” a holiday marked by military parades and Kremlin-led displays of patriotism.

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Putin also pledged to continue “strengthening the army and navy” and to leverage military lessons from the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine. He said all branches of the armed forces would be enhanced, with improvements in combat readiness, mobility, and the ability to operate under the most challenging conditions.

The announcement comes just two days ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a war that has displaced millions, destroyed towns, and caused heavy casualties on both sides.

With the expiration of the New START treaty, Moscow and Washington—the world’s two major nuclear powers—are no longer bound by any formal arms control agreements. However, Russia insisted it would continue to act responsibly regarding its strategic nuclear arsenal and respect the limits on its stockpile.