On Monday, President Vladimir Putin underscored the significance of advancing Russia’s nuclear triad, labeling it an “absolute priority” as he detailed the nation’s weapons strategy, according to reports.

Speaking on the occasion of Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day, Putin addressed the enhancement of the country’s nuclear arsenal before bestowing state honors on officers who participated in the Ukraine conflict, as reported by the Moscow Times.

During his address, Putin highlighted the importance of the Russian nuclear triad, which is a sophisticated three-part system for deploying nuclear weapons, ensuring the nation’s ability for a decisive second-strike response.

He emphasized that developing this triad is “an absolute priority,” asserting that it “safeguards Russia’s security and ensures effective strategic deterrence, maintaining a global balance of power.”

President Vladimir Putin prioritizes the advancement of Russia’s nuclear triad for strategic deterrence, as highlighted on Defender of the Fatherland Day. (Contributor/Getty Images)

In addition, Putin stressed the ongoing enhancement of Russia’s military forces, both army and navy, in light of international developments and the combat experience gained from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

He added that Russia would also “significantly” enhance the capabilities of other branches of the armed forces, increasing their combat readiness, mobility, and ability to operate in all conditions, even the most challenging.

“And, of course, we will accelerate the development of advanced systems for the armed forces,” he added.

Putin’s remarks came after Russia suspended its participation in the New START Treaty on Feb. 5, 2023, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between Moscow and Washington.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns the Russian leader has launched “World War III.”

The treaty limited the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems each country could have.

Russian officials have said they will continue to take a “responsible” approach to managing their strategic nuclear arsenal and would respect previously established limits.

Putin’s announcement came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that the Russian leader had effectively launched “World War III” with his invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

“I believe that Putin has already started it. The question is how much territory he will be able to seize and how to stop him… Putin will not stop at Ukraine,” Zelenskyy told the BBC in an interview Feb. 23.

Smoke rises over the Kyiv skyline after a Russian attack, Monday, July 8, 2024. Russian forces launched multiple ballistic and cruise missiles against Ukrainian targets on Monday, Ukraine’s air force said, with explosions felt and heard across the capital, Kyiv. (AP Photo/ Evgeniy Maloletka)

Zelenskyy described the war as part of Putin’s broader attempt to impose a “different way of life” on the world.

“Stopping Putin today and preventing him from occupying Ukraine is a victory for the whole world,” he said.

However, when asked about the possibility of ceding the embattled Donbas region to Moscow as part of a peace deal, he warned that Russia would likely rebuild its military strength within “no more than a couple of years” and launch another invasion.

“Where would he go next? We do not know, but that he would want to continue [the war] is a fact,” Zelenskyy said.

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