The Russian leader stated that this year the initial launchers of the Sarmat ballistic missile system, known in the United States by the nickname Satan, are to enter combat duty. He delivered these remarks during a formal address commemorating the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland, a celebration that Russian officials describe as recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those who have stood in defense of the nation across generations. The official text of the speech has been published on the Kremlin’s website, making the announcement accessible to the public in Moscow and beyond. In essence, the statement signals a step in modernizing the country’s strategic deterrent capabilities, underscoring a continuing commitment to national security and the readiness of forces to fulfill their protective obligations. This move is framed within a broader narrative of resilience and continuity in Russia’s defense posture, and it is presented as a milestone in the ongoing development of a robust, long-range armament complex that is intended to deter aggression and provide strategic stability in the region and around the world.
The President declared that the first launchers of the Sarmat system have begun their duty cycle, ready to perform their assigned tasks should the situation necessitate. This emphasis on operational readiness reflects a long-standing emphasis in Russian defense policy on ensuring that key components of the nuclear triad remain capable, credible, and responsive under a variety of potential scenarios. The Sarmat family, designed to carry heavy payloads over intercontinental distances, is described as a game-changing element within Moscow’s strategic forces, capable of bypassing many modern missile defenses and delivering a formidable signaling message to potential adversaries. The deployment of these launchers is portrayed as a demonstration of engineering prowess, logistical competence, and an unyielding commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and the safety of its people, while also reinforcing the deterrence calculus that shapes international security dynamics.
The Russian leadership highlighted that the facility will be equipped with a new generation of heavy missiles, amplifying the system’s range, payload flexibility, and survivability in the face of evolving defense technologies. In the United States, the RS-28 is widely associated with the Sarmat designation and has earned a colloquial sobriquet that references its global reach. Observers note that the missile is intended to provide a credible second-strike capability and to contribute to a balanced strategic posture that seeks to deter escalation through credible assurances of retaliation. The discussion surrounding the Sarmat program is situated within ongoing debates about arms control, modernization, and regional security, with analysts watching for any shifts in policy that could influence future treaty negotiations and strategic stability on a continental scale.
Vladimir Putin offered congratulations on Defender of the Fatherland Day to veterans who fought in the Great Patriotic War and to those who participated in Russia’s contemporary military operations, including the ongoing actions described by Moscow as a special operation in Ukraine. The President stressed that this national holiday embodies the enduring tradition of military service and the bond connecting generations of defenders. He framed the day as a collective reminder of the sacrifices that have safeguarded the nation’s interests, contributed to its territorial integrity, and supported the protection of civilians in difficult and sometimes volatile circumstances. By linking the commemoration to current events, the address underscored a sense of continuity between past triumphs and present responsibilities, reinforcing public sentiment about unity, resilience, and shared purpose across the armed forces and civilian society. The remarks were presented as a reaffirmation of the role of the Russian military in shaping the country’s security landscape, as well as a tribute to the expertise, sacrifice, and discipline that many service members bring to their duties every day, in times of peace as well as during periods of tension and challenge across the region.