Russia announces status of Sarmat missile and nuclear weapon developments

On May 12, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile successfully completed recent test launches. Putin stated that the missile will be deployed by late 2026, claiming it possesses a range exceeding 35,000 km and the ability to penetrate existing missile defense systems. The Russian leader also highlighted the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, noting it can be equipped with nuclear warheads and has been deployed in Belarus. He claimed the Oreshnik system has been utilized twice against targets in Ukraine. Furthermore, Putin confirmed that the Poseidon and Burevestnik systems are in their final stages of development. Russian officials reported that upgrading the Kinzhal missile system, which reportedly reaches speeds over 10 Mach, remains ongoing. While Putin characterized the Sarmat as the world's most powerful system, reporting on its operational status has varied, with some sources citing late 2026 and others referencing the end of the current year.