US-NATO discuss continued strong coordination to ensure robust deterrence and defence
Moscow: In the midst of a fierce war in Ukraine, Russia today test-launched the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk Region. Its training warheads reached the Kura training ground on the Kamchatka Peninsula and Moscow claimed that the test objectives were carried out in full.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who watched the test launch via videoconference, said this “truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our Armed Forces, reliably ensuring Russia’s security against external threats, and will be a wakeup call for those who are trying to threaten our country in the frenzy of rabid, aggressive rhetoric”.
Putin said this was a “big, momentous” event in the development of advanced weapons systems for the Russian Army. The new complex 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 will not have any for a long time to come,” he claimed.
Pointing out that only domestic parts and components were used in creating the Sarmat missile, Putin said “This will, of course, facilitate its production by defence industry enterprises and expedite its use in the Strategic Missile Forces.”
“I would like to thank you for your selfless efforts once again. I wish you new achievements in the name of our Motherland,” Putin told the Defence Ministry officials and thanked all those who took part in “developing and producing this new complex, who made an intellectual contribution to resolving the goals set and who translated into reality the ideas of scientists and designers”.
Meanwhile, the United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman discussed NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoană and NATO Permanent Representatives. Deputy Secretary Sherman discussed continued strong coordination at NATO to ensure robust deterrence and defence, and shared the US priorities for NATO’s next Strategic Concept, “which will make clear that NATO is stronger and more united than ever”.
Sherman noted the US concerns about China’s support for Russia’s aggression, “including through its amplification of Russian disinformation about NATO and Russia’s war in Ukraine”, and called for continued strong Transatlantic coordination to defend the rules-based international order.
While praising the “strong NATO-EU coordination in responding to Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war against Ukraine”, she also discussed NATO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defences against Russian aggression, as well as U.S. efforts to support Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s “brutal and unprovoked” invasion.
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin watching test launch of ICBM through video conferencing -Kremlin
– global bihari bureau
