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
Trump to sign emergency order to get TSA agents paid — bypassing Congress in DHS shutdown fight

Trump Set to Issue Emergency Order for TSA Agent Pay Amidst DHS Shutdown Dispute

On Thursday, President Trump revealed his plan to implement an emergency directive…
President Trump predicts ‘desperate’ Chuck Schumer will cave in DHS shutdown fight, demands end to filibuster

Trump Predicts Schumer’s Surrender in DHS Shutdown Battle, Calls for Filibuster’s End

WASHINGTON — President Trump has confidently forecasted that Senate Minority Leader Chuck…
NYPD announces more than 1,000 firearm seizures to start 2026

NYPD Seizes Over 1,000 Firearms in Early 2026, Marking Major Milestone in Citywide Safety Initiative

A Harlem mother, who tragically lost her two sons to gun violence,…
Historic St. Augustine building on Aviles St. faces partial demolition; community weighs in on loss

Community Rallies as Historic St. Augustine Landmark on Aviles Street Faces Partial Demolition

The outcry over the potential demolition of a historic building in St.…
Jose Medina, suspect accused in death of Sheridan Gorman, Loyola student killed in Rogers Park, Chicago shooting, is due in court

Justice in Sight: Jose Medina Faces Court for Loyola Student Sheridan Gorman’s Tragic Rogers Park Shooting

In a tragic development that has shaken the Loyola University community, the…
Revolutionary Tourism: Inside the $600M marriage of dark money and far-left agitprop

Revolutionizing Tourism: Unveiling the $600M Intersection of Dark Money and Far-Left Advocacy

In Part 4 of a series by Fox News Digital, we delve…
Massive 40-foot whale carcass washes up on NYC beach

Giant 40-Foot Whale Found on New York Beach: Uncover the Mystery

In a remarkable sight, a colossal whale carcass, comparable in size to…
PA Democrats Celebrate Women's Month by Silently Opting Out of Defining Women

PA Democrats Honor Women’s Month Without Defining the Term ‘Woman

How difficult can it be to define the term “woman?” For Pennsylvania…
Gavin Newsom tears up while discussing California jobs program

Emotional Gavin Newsom Highlights Impact of California Jobs Program in Tearful Address

California Governor Gavin Newsom became emotional on Wednesday while announcing a significant…
North Carolina woman who vanished 24 years ago tearfully reunites with daughter outside court

Emotional Reunion: North Carolina Woman Missing for 24 Years Reconnects with Daughter at Courthouse

A North Carolina woman who disappeared more than two decades ago has…
Druski sparks outrage after dressing as Erika Kirk in latest viral skit: 'This is too far'

Comedian Druski’s Erika Kirk Costume in Viral Skit Draws Backlash: ‘Has He Crossed the Line?

Controversial comedian Druski has sparked a new wave of criticism with his…
Body of River Forest High School senior Rodrigo Montes found; teen was missing after truck found in Lake Station, IN river: police

River Forest High School Senior Rodrigo Montes Found Dead After Disappearance; Truck Discovered in Lake Station, IN River: Police Report

In a tragic update from northwest Indiana, authorities announced on Thursday that…