Russia Says Sarmat Missile Test Aimed at Curbing Supporters of Nuclear Umbrella in Europe
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister stated that the purpose of testing the “Sarmat” ballistic missile was to demonstrate the country’s strategic capabilities to governments relying on Europe’s nuclear umbrella. Sergei Ryabkov emphasized that Moscow seeks to contain what he described as “hardliners in the West” through this display.
According to him, Western countries’ reactions to the test were marked by a form of “apparent indifference.” Ryabkov added that Russia does not intend to take actions that would undermine strategic stability, but at the same time will maintain its defensive and deterrent capabilities.
The Russian official claimed that the Sarmat missile system is capable of bypassing all existing missile defense systems, and can even render ineffective those that are still under development. The Sarmat is among the intercontinental missiles defined under Russia’s nuclear deterrence doctrine.
Ryabkov also spoke about Moscow’s foreign relations, stating that Russia stands alongside Cuba and will continue to support Havana as the country faces what he described as a siege by the United States.
In another part of his remarks, he did not rule out new contacts between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his American counterpart in the near future, but said no specific timing has been set. He noted that high-level talks with the American side continue intensively, although the process of improving relations between the two countries is slow and difficult.
