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
Chicago man Andrew Anania sentenced in kidnapping, sexually assaulting drivers at gunpoint; Walter Moran also convicted

Day Care Scandal in Des Plaines: Two Workers Accused of Child Abuse at A Mother’s Touch

In Des Plaines, Illinois, two employees of a day care center are…
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…
Nancy Guthrie's disappearance defies FBI kidnapping trends involving elderly victims

Breaking the Mold: Nancy Guthrie’s Mysterious Disappearance Challenges FBI’s Elderly Kidnapping Patterns

TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona authorities are diligently pursuing leads in the ongoing…
Build, baby, build: Mamdani must make more housing a top priority

Prioritizing Housing: Mamdani’s Call to Action for Boosting Development

In a decisive move to tackle New York City’s housing and affordability…
Blizzard 2026 snow totals: Northeast US digs out from brutal snowstorm that disrupted flights, canceled school

Northeast US Recovers from Severe 2026 Blizzard: Snowfall Totals Impact Flights and Schools

NEW YORK — A mighty snowstorm swept across the northeastern United States,…
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas speaks out on Tyler Technologies, contracted to upgrade Cook County property taxes system

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Addresses Concerns Over Tyler Technologies’ Role in Property Tax System Upgrade

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has found herself in a heated dispute…
Zohran Mamdani's DSA pals push to tax 'rich' in Albany — but it's not just millionaires who will be squeezed

Zohran Mamdani and DSA Allies Advocate for Expanded Tax Measures in Albany, Targeting More than Just Millionaires

There’s a growing debate over taxing the wealthy, but it comes with…
$1M reward offered for info leading to the return of Nancy Guthrie as Savannah makes emotional plea

$1 Million Reward Announced for Information on Nancy Guthrie’s Return Amid Emotional Appeal from Savannah

The search for Nancy Guthrie, missing since February 1, continues as authorities…
Trump admin sues University of California for allegedly fostering hostile workplace for Jewish employees

Trump Administration Takes Legal Action Against University of California Over Alleged Anti-Semitic Workplace Environment

The Trump administration has taken legal action against the University of California…
No more 'get out of jail free' cards for California criminals claiming mental illness: pols

California Closes Loophole: Stricter Mental Health Claims Reform for Criminal Defense Approved by Lawmakers

A coalition of California lawmakers from both parties is advocating for tighter…
Digital sleuths and burger deliveries: Inside the true crime scene outside Nancy Guthrie’s home

Unraveling the Mystery: Digital Detectives and Burger Deliveries at Nancy Guthrie’s Residence

TUCSON, Ariz. – As the search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today”…
Vandals slash tires on 7 NYPD cars at HQ for special team Mamdani pledged to cut: cops

Vandalism Strikes: NYPD Special Team’s Patrol Cars Targeted Amid Controversial Budget Cut Proposal

Authorities reported on Tuesday that vandals targeted seven marked NYPD vehicles, slashing…