Russia looks to update nuclear program amid ‘colossal threats’ from West
Share this @internewscast.com

Russia’s top nuclear official this week said Moscow is facing “colossal threats” and needs to update its nuclear capabilities.

Without specifying the source of Russia’s primary nuclear threat, Director General of Rosatom, Alexei Likhachev, stated, “the current geopolitical situation is a period of immense risks to the survival of our nation.”

“Hence, the nuclear shield, which also serves as a sword, guarantees our autonomy,” he remarked, as reported by the Russian state news agency RIA. “We recognize today that the nuclear shield needs enhancement in the coming years.”

Image depicts global nuclear stockpiles

Image illustrates data sourced from the Federation of American Scientists, showing that there are 12,331 nuclear weapons as of 2025.  (Visual Capitalist via Getty Images)

Moscow reportedly retains nearly 4,400 nuclear warheads, with over 1,500 categorized as “strategically deployed” and the US has more than 3,700 warheads in its arsenal, including 1,400 deployed, according to the Arms Control Association. 

The pursuit of nuclear disarmament was a shared global aim following the Cold War’s conclusion, yet this direction remains uncertain as the relationship between Washington and Moscow has become fragile again amid Putin’s military actions in Ukraine and his growing alliance with Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

The New Start Treaty remains the only bilateral nuclear arms control agreement between the U.S. and Russia, and though it was extended in 2021, it is set to expire in February 2026. The future of the treaty – first signed in 2010 – also remains unclear as Moscow paused its participation in the agreement in 2023.

Russia displays nuclear capable ballistic missiles

Russian military vehicles, including Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, roll on Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 9, 2024.   (Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images)

Putin said that this suspension meant he would continue to abide by stockpile limits under the treaty, but he would not allow for continued U.S. inspections. 

Fox News Digital could not immediately reach the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for comment as nations increasingly look to expand their nuclear capabilities just six months ahead of when the New Start Treaty is set to expire. 

–>

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trans Tumbler Ridge school shooter's brother arrested for attempted murder

Brother of Trans Tumbler Ridge School Shooter Apprehended on Attempted Murder Charges

In a dramatic development following a recent tragic event, Jacob Van Rootselaar,…
Car barrels into crowd outside California bar, gunfire erupts in chaotic scene caught on video

California Bar Chaos: Car Plows Into Crowd, Followed by Gunfire in Shocking Video Capture

In a dramatic and chaotic scene captured on video, a car plowed…
WATCH: Trump Announces He's Awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Olympic Hockey Hero

WATCH: Trump to Bestow Presidential Medal of Freedom on Olympic Hockey Legend

What a whirlwind 72 hours it has been for the U.S. men’s…
Hundreds join search for missing Michigan college student last seen 'disoriented' on video

Urgent Community Effort: Hundreds Rally to Locate Missing Michigan College Student Caught on Video Looking Disoriented

Authorities in Michigan continue their search for a Northern Michigan University student…
Indiana stadium bill takes another step forward; Chicago Bears leadership in Indianapolis for NFL Combine

Indiana Stadium Bill Advances as Chicago Bears Eye Talent at NFL Combine in Indianapolis

The Chicago Bears are on the hunt for promising new players in…
United Cajun Navy offers search and rescue services in hunt for Nancy Guthrie

United Cajun Navy Provides Expert Search and Rescue Support in Efforts to Locate Nancy Guthrie

TUCSON, Ariz. – In an effort to assist in the search for…
Trump blasts Democrats who refused to stand for protecting Americans over 'illegal aliens' at State of the Union 2026

Trump Criticizes Democrats for Not Standing Up for American Protection in State of the Union 2026 Address

President Trump criticized Democratic leaders who declined to support his assertion that…
Epstein files related to Trump abuse investigation withheld by DOJ: report

DOJ Withholds Epstein-Trump Abuse Investigation Files: New Report Reveals

According to a recent report, the Justice Department is accused of withholding…
President Trump's State of the Union speech breaks time record

President Trump’s Record-Breaking State of the Union: Longest Speech in History Unveiled

President Donald Trump has now set a new benchmark for the longest…
AI skills are in demand, but don't always command pay premiums

Unlocking AI Potential: Why High Demand Doesn’t Guarantee Top Dollar Salaries

As the demand for artificial intelligence expertise grows, employers are still hesitant…
Reports: Person held for questioning in Nancy Guthrie case released without charges

New Clues in Nancy Guthrie Case: Suspect’s Possible Prior Visit Uncovered, Yet Key Photo Evidence Lacks Timestamp

The quest for answers surrounding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie took another…
Another California wine giant shuts site and axes staff as chaos rips across Napa Valley

Prominent California Winery Closes Facility and Reduces Workforce Amid Napa Valley Turmoil

California’s wine industry is experiencing a significant shift as another major player…