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| Entering a New Chapter, Russia's Sarmat Ballistic Missile is Almost Ready for Combat |
Moscow - Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Sarmat Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) was almost combat ready. He made this known during a year-end meeting with key defense chiefs. The Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, known as Satan II, can carry at least 10 nuclear warheads and can strike targets thousands of miles away in Europe and the United States (US).
Russia test-fired the Sarmat missile, which has a range of 12,000 miles and flies five times the speed of sound, in April. During the meeting, Putin said he was willing to give Russian troops whatever they needed as the war against Ukraine entered its 10th month.
"Money is not a problem for soldiers," added Putin, having prepared an $84 billion or around Rp.1,307 quadrillion defense budget for next year or 40% higher than the initial spending plans announced in 2021 as quoted from Metro.co.uk, Wednesday (21/12/2022).
Putin urged Moscow to take special note of the importance of drones in the bloody conflict, which he said is nearing completion. He added that NATO would use its full resources against Russia and urged Russian military leaders to draw on their experience in helping Syria.
Today's meeting took place ahead of the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the US. It is the first time the leader has left the country since the war started in February. "300 days ago, Russia launched a brutal attack on Ukraine," said Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary. "The visit will underscore the United States' unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as needed, including through the provision of economic, humanitarian and military assistance," he added.
The visit comes as Congress is considering approving nearly $50 billion in aid to strengthen Ukrainian troops. Read: Show Guts, Vladimir Putin Reportedly Visits Ukrainian Battlefield "On my way to the US to strengthen Ukraine's resilience and defense capabilities," Zelensky tweeted. "I hope you have a good flight, Volodymyr," replied US president Joe Biden. "I am glad you are here. There is much to discuss," he continued.
The Russian offensive is about to enter its second year, with Moscow's brutal hopes of victory rapidly fading as Ukraine gains advantage after advantage. According to the think-tank Institute for the Study of War, Ukraine has liberated nearly 75,000 square km of territory from Russian troops. Despite that Russia has ensured that Ukraine spends a very bitter winter ahead with no heating or electricity by attacking its energy infrastructure relentlessly.