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
NFL's Roger Goodell's Weakness on Full Display With Response About Choosing Bad Bunny for Super Bowl

Roger Goodell Faces Criticism Over Bad Bunny Super Bowl Choice

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s tenure appears overdue for an end, especially after…
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…
Massie Faces Trump-Backed Primary Challenge Kentucky Race

Massie vs. Trump: High-Stakes Showdown in Kentucky’s Pivotal Primary Race

Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie is preparing for a fierce primary battle…
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…
Bodycam video shows New York police officers rescue choking 10-month-old baby in Corona, Queens

Watch: Heroic NYPD Officers Save Choking Infant in Queens with Quick Response

In Corona, Queens, a 10-month-old infant’s life was saved by the quick…
Former ESPN Host Blasts Boy Competing Against Daughter

Ex-ESPN Host Criticizes Boy Competing Against His Daughter in Sports Event

Outrage Erupts as Christian Ponder’s Wife Criticizes Transgender Participation in Girls’ Sports…
Alabama death row inmate insists innocence, urges governor to meet him before nitrogen-gas execution

Alabama Inmate’s Plea for Justice: A Last-Minute Appeal to Halt Nitrogen-Gas Execution

An Alabama death row inmate, who claims his innocence, has reached out…
Car rams into White House barricade, suspect arrested: officials

Breaking News: Security Breach at White House as Vehicle Crashes into Barricade – Suspect in Custody

On Tuesday night, authorities apprehended a suspect following an incident where a…
National Guard Chicago news: Judge to consider extension of order temporarily blocking National Guard in Chicago area

Judge to Decide Fate of National Guard Deployment in Chicago: Temporary Block Extension Under Review

The unfolding story in Chicago has taken a significant turn, as a…
Hunter Biden Reveals Profane Rage, Near Threat Toward Obama After Infamous Moment on Stage With His Dad

Explosive Revelation: Hunter Biden’s Fiery Outburst and Tension with Obama Exposed

Hunter Biden doesn’t hold Barack Obama in high regard. Tension between their…
Kim Iversen Highlights Assault Allegations in Giuffre’s Memoir

Kim Iversen Sheds Light on Explosive Assault Allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s Revealing Memoir

During a recent episode of The Kim Iversen Show, independent journalist Kim Iversen…
Luigi Mangione claims he was beaten by seven 'ladyboys' in Thailand months before CEO killing: report

Shocking Twist: Luigi Mangione Alleges Assault by ‘Ladyboys’ in Thailand Before High-Profile CEO Murder

Luigi Mangione, once a promising Ivy League student, is now embroiled in…