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
The 22-day government shutdown is now the second-longest in US history

Historic Standoff: Unpacking the 22-Day Government Shutdown and Its Impact

The longest government shutdown on record spanned 35 days during the first…
Riverside Church responds to Pride flag vandalism with even more flags

Riverside Church Amplifies Support with Increased Pride Flags Following Vandalism Incident

On October 20, a distressing incident occurred at Riverside Church located at…
Former St. Johns fire chief wins lawsuit

Ex-St. Johns Fire Chief Triumphs in Landmark Legal Victory: What This Means for Firefighting Leadership

St. Johns County has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with its former…
New take on twisted '90s thriller 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle' stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Maika Monroe

Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Maika Monroe Lead Riveting Remake of 90s Thriller ‘The Hand that Rocks the Cradle

In Hollywood, a fresh reimagining of a classic thriller is making waves.…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

A 21-year-old man from India, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022…
California woman hit by small plane during crash landing on soccer field

Shocking Plane Crash: California Woman Struck During Emergency Landing on Soccer Field

A woman in California was hit by a small aircraft that crash-landed…
Virginia GOP candidate holds debate with AI bot of opponent

Virginia GOP Candidate Engages in Historic Debate Against AI-Generated Opponent in Political First

An unexpected twist emerged in the Virginia lieutenant governor’s race on Tuesday…
NYC mayoral candidates clash bitterly during final debate

Final NYC Mayoral Debate Sparks Heated Exchanges Among Candidates

NEW YORK (AP) — During the heated final debate in New York…
Shelters offer free adoptions at Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival this weekend

Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival: Free Adoptions This Weekend to Find Forever Homes for Pets

The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) are…
New York City ICE raid nets 9 arrests of illegal aliens from West Africa, 4 protesters also arrested

NYC ICE Operation: 9 West African Nationals Arrested, 4 Protesters Detained Amid Immigration Crackdown

The bustling streets of New York City’s Chinatown became the focal point…
Los Angeles teacher says ICE agents are 'not the only ones with guns' following shooting of federal agent

Los Angeles Teacher Sparks Controversy with Bold Statement on Guns After ICE Agent Shooting

A Los Angeles high school history teacher, who is a prominent voice…
Chicago crash: 1 arrested in attempt to hit federal agents in vehicle near Ogden, 26th Street in Little Village, Cicero police say

Chicago Incident: Suspect Arrested in Alleged Vehicle Assault on Federal Agents in Little Village, Cicero

CHICAGO — In a dramatic incident on Chicago’s Southwest Side on Wednesday…