Latest news with #Sarmat
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Europe 'doomed to war with Russia,' as Putin puppet demands strikes
Russian state TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov has called Britain's prime minister Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz satanists A Russian state TV presenter has made the shocking claim that his country should make pre-emptive strikes on Europe as it is inevitable the two sides will go to war. Well-known journalist Vladimir Solovyov alleged that Britain's prime minister Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz are all satanists. On a TV broadcast to the Russian people, Mr Solovyov said: "They've discussed how they support one another... in their fight against Christianity. Satanism is the one thing that unites all of them. The Democratic Party, is a party of satanists. The European elites are satanists. You won't find a single believer among them. Starmer, Macron and Merz. All of them are enemies of religion." "We are witnessing the divisions that are now underway, this is a fight between religious goodness and absolute evil. At this point all jokes are simply over. We see that the Nazis are getting ready for war. They can't stop. Europe is doomed to war with Russia. "They won't stop until we carry out a destructive preventive strike." Mr Solovyov has been described as Putin's puppet. Just last month he appeared on state TV and demanded a strike on Britain with Poseidon high speed atomic underwater drones - or Sarmat, the Satan-2, giant 208-ton intercontinental silo-launched 15,880mph nuclear weapon, the size of a 14-storey tower block. Mr Solovyov - whose propaganda themes are choreographed by the Kremlin which pays for his TV show - said he would deploy both Poseidon and Sarmat. Just yesterday, Russia gave an ultimatum to Britain that it must halt all military training for Ukrainian troops for the war to end. Supplies of arms must also be stopped, according to Rodion Miroshnik, a special envoy to Vladimir Putin 's foreign ministry. The Russian demand came amid signs Donald Trump is ready to impose swingeing sanctions on the Kremlin over its refusal to end the war. The weekend saw the most intense aerial onslaught of the conflict on Ukraine with 537 strikes by Putin's forces, including the downing of an F-16 warplane with the death of pilot F-16 pilot Lt-Col Maksym Ustymenko. The pilot was posthumously awarded the Hero of Ukraine honour by Volodymyr Zelensky for 'defending our people from yet another massive Russian attack'. He was 'one of our very best' and 'losing people like him is deeply painful'. Moscow made clear its aim to kill off Britain's Operation Interflex training for Ukraine, which has drilled tens of thousands of fighters for battle. 'The participation or complicity of other countries is a key issue that must be stopped in all forms — including weapons deliveries and the training of Ukrainian militants,' he said. 'All of this amounts to direct complicity in the conflict. Halting these programmes would be a signal of willingness to seek a resolution.'
Miami Herald
25-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Europe Needs Ukraine to Fight Russia With Reduced US Help: Think Tank
Russia is looking to take its aggression beyond Ukraine, and reduced U.S. support will force European countries to work together to confront this threat, a Kyiv think tank said. A report released Wednesday by the KSE Institute, an analytical center at the Kyiv School of Economics, outlined how Russia's long-range, strategic, and hypersonic weapons program showed Moscow's intentions beyond its full-scale invasion. As the Trump administration previously said that the United States should no longer be Europe's primary security guarantor, Europe requires substantial and sustained defense investments to address the threat posed by Russia, the KSE said. "Russia is preparing capabilities that are clearly not tied to war in Ukraine, including naval forces for a possible confrontation in the Arctic," report co-author Pavlo Shkurenko told Newsweek. The two-day NATO summit started on Tuesday, and on the agenda was the alliance's support for Ukraine in the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression. However, looming over the summit is U.S. President Donald Trump's insistence that members commit to spending at least 5 percent of their GDP on defense, with the president casting doubt on Washington's security commitment to countries that do not meet this level. The KSE report states that tackling Russia's threat requires not only larger defense budgets but also spending wisely on low-cost and scalable technologies, as well as integrating Ukraine's technical and military capabilities into those of Europe. In 2018, Putin touted long-range, strategic, and hypersonic weapons, such as the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, the Avangard glide vehicle, the Zirkon cruise missile, and the Poseidon nuclear torpedo, as examples of Russia's growing military prowess. But these weapons have little tactical relevance to the war in Ukraine and instead challenge Western deterrence and defense in the future when the U.S. no longer wants to be Europe's main security guarantor, the KSE report said. Despite economic turbulence in Russia caused by sanctions, Putin continues to drive ever-increasing military expenditure, which is expected to reach 13.5 trillion rubles ($145 billion) in 2025, nearly a third (32 percent) of total budget expenditure. "That much spending in the military sector is creating circumstances for them to then threaten Europe and beyond, " Shkurenko told Newsweek. "We have to understand it's very unlikely that Russia will be interested in any kind of peace as of this moment." Ukraine's experience since the start of the full-scale invasion can be a strategic asset for Europe, offering a blueprint for rapid innovation and defense technologies in a war being fought as much through data and artificial intelligence as it is through munitions, the KSE said. Russia's regular barrage of Shahed and reconnaissance drones renders traditional surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) an inefficient defense, the report said, but technology, including interceptor drones—a domain in which Ukraine has expertise—can offer a more cost-effective solution when used in conjunction with air defense. Low-cost attack drones can destroy high-value assets, and as such, Europe can build deterrence against Russia in an agile and cost-effective way, it added. Addressing the NATO conference on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine can produce over 8 million drones of various types annually, but currently lacks the necessary financial backing. Zelensky called for allies to scale up investments in joint weapons production, including drone technologies, artillery, and interceptors and said that Ukraine's defense capabilities are essential to protecting NATO in the long term. The KSE report said Ukraine should be incorporated into European defense and granted partner or observer status in European security committees. Europe also should have "a balanced system of military production," KSE report co-author Olena Bilousova told Newsweek, as the continent can benefit from Ukraine's expertise in, for example, drones, while other countries play to their strengths in air defense or missiles. "We should consider specializations in our common production," she added. Pavlo Shkurenko, compliance and international sanctions adviser, KSE Institute: "Despite Russia experiencing economic problems, a lot of resources poured into its military industry. That much spending in the military sector is creating circumstances for them to threaten Europe and beyond." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit on Tuesday: "We must lead in the drone race, both in strike drones and the weapons we produce become part of a new, stronger European defense and security system." The KSE report's conclusion aligns with Zelensky's message that the cost of supporting Ukraine's defense is minimal compared to what Europe would face if Ukraine were to fall. Zelensky also called on Tuesday for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP and for 0.25 percent of GDP to support Ukraine's military needs directly, as he warned Russia is planning new operations on alliance territory. The second day of the NATO summit in The Hague on Wednesday will likely see wrangling over whether members can agree on the hefty new defense spending target, as well as whether Trump will attend. Related Articles Ukraine Destroys Russian Ship in Black Sea Fleet-VideoDonald Trump Nobel Peace Prize Nomination WithdrawnRussian Newspaper Gives Donald Trump New NicknamePutin Sending Dead Russian Soldiers to Ukraine To Hide Losses: Zelensky 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Europe Needs Ukraine to Fight Russia With Reduced US Help: Think Tank
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Russia is looking to take its aggression beyond Ukraine, and reduced U.S. support will force European countries to work together to confront this threat, a Kyiv think tank said. A report released Wednesday by the KSE Institute, an analytical center at the Kyiv School of Economics, outlined how Russia's long-range, strategic, and hypersonic weapons program showed Moscow's intentions beyond its full-scale invasion. As the Trump administration previously said that the United States should no longer be Europe's primary security guarantor, Europe requires substantial and sustained defense investments to address the threat posed by Russia, the KSE said. "Russia is preparing capabilities that are clearly not tied to war in Ukraine, including naval forces for a possible confrontation in the Arctic," report co-author Pavlo Shkurenko told Newsweek. Why It Matters The two-day NATO summit started on Tuesday, and on the agenda was the alliance's support for Ukraine in the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression. However, looming over the summit is U.S. President Donald Trump's insistence that members commit to spending at least 5 percent of their GDP on defense, with the president casting doubt on Washington's security commitment to countries that do not meet this level. The KSE report states that tackling Russia's threat requires not only larger defense budgets but also spending wisely on low-cost and scalable technologies, as well as integrating Ukraine's technical and military capabilities into those of Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a press conference in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 24, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a press conference in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 24, To Know In 2018, Putin touted long-range, strategic, and hypersonic weapons, such as the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, the Avangard glide vehicle, the Zirkon cruise missile, and the Poseidon nuclear torpedo, as examples of Russia's growing military prowess. But these weapons have little tactical relevance to the war in Ukraine and instead challenge Western deterrence and defense in the future when the U.S. no longer wants to be Europe's main security guarantor, the KSE report said. Despite economic turbulence in Russia caused by sanctions, Putin continues to drive ever-increasing military expenditure, which is expected to reach 13.5 trillion rubles ($145 billion) in 2025, nearly a third (32 percent) of total budget expenditure. "That much spending in the military sector is creating circumstances for them to then threaten Europe and beyond, " Shkurenko told Newsweek. "We have to understand it's very unlikely that Russia will be interested in any kind of peace as of this moment." Ukraine's experience since the start of the full-scale invasion can be a strategic asset for Europe, offering a blueprint for rapid innovation and defense technologies in a war being fought as much through data and artificial intelligence as it is through munitions, the KSE said. A Ukrainian soldier prepares to launch a reconnaissance drone on March 10, 2025, near Pokrovsk, Ukraine. A Ukrainian soldier prepares to launch a reconnaissance drone on March 10, 2025, near Pokrovsk, Drones Russia's regular barrage of Shahed and reconnaissance drones renders traditional surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) an inefficient defense, the report said, but technology, including interceptor drones—a domain in which Ukraine has expertise—can offer a more cost-effective solution when used in conjunction with air defense. Low-cost attack drones can destroy high-value assets, and as such, Europe can build deterrence against Russia in an agile and cost-effective way, it added. Addressing the NATO conference on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine can produce over 8 million drones of various types annually, but currently lacks the necessary financial backing. Zelensky called for allies to scale up investments in joint weapons production, including drone technologies, artillery, and interceptors and said that Ukraine's defense capabilities are essential to protecting NATO in the long term. The KSE report said Ukraine should be incorporated into European defense and granted partner or observer status in European security committees. Europe also should have "a balanced system of military production," KSE report co-author Olena Bilousova told Newsweek, as the continent can benefit from Ukraine's expertise in, for example, drones, while other countries play to their strengths in air defense or missiles. "We should consider specializations in our common production," she added. What People Are Saying Pavlo Shkurenko, compliance and international sanctions adviser, KSE Institute: "Despite Russia experiencing economic problems, a lot of resources poured into its military industry. That much spending in the military sector is creating circumstances for them to threaten Europe and beyond." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit on Tuesday: "We must lead in the drone race, both in strike drones and the weapons we produce become part of a new, stronger European defense and security system." What Happens Next The KSE report's conclusion aligns with Zelensky's message that the cost of supporting Ukraine's defense is minimal compared to what Europe would face if Ukraine were to fall. Zelensky also called on Tuesday for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP and for 0.25 percent of GDP to support Ukraine's military needs directly, as he warned Russia is planning new operations on alliance territory. The second day of the NATO summit in The Hague on Wednesday will likely see wrangling over whether members can agree on the hefty new defense spending target, as well as whether Trump will attend.
India.com
15-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Are nuclear weapons always ready or does it take time to activate them? What is the process if a country decides to launch nuclear weapon?
Are nuclear weapons always ready or does it take time to activate them? What is the process if a country decides to do so? In the recent India-Pakistan war-like situation, the topic of nuclear weapon was again revived. The issue of radiation leak from Kerana Hills during the India-Pakistan war is also being discussed a lot on social media at a time when both are nuclear powers. The process of activating a nuclear weapon involves several steps include various steps: Decision making, Command-and-control, Weapons preparation and finally launch. The time to activate nuclear weapons depends on the military preparedness and technical infrastructure of the country. Below is an estimate of the time to major nuclear countries: United States of America: The United States of America has the world's most advanced nuclear programme. The US has land, sea (submarines), and air (bombers) based weapons that are always deployed which can be launched within a time frame of 10-15 minutes. Russia: Russia's nuclear system is so highly advanced that it has automated systems such as 'Dead Hand' (Perimeter), to ensure a counter-attack. Russia's ICBMs, such as the Sarmat missile, can launch in a few minutes. Submarine and mobile launchers may take a little longer, but Russia's strategy is focused on quick response. It's estimated launch time is 3-4 minutes. China: Beijing's nuclear strategy is based on 'no first use' and hence its weapons are not always in deployed position. Its activation and refueling missiles can take time. China which has expanded its nuclear capability in recent years can now launch new hypersonic missiles rapidly. China has around 350-400 weapons, of which only a few are deployed. Its launch time varies from 15-30 minutes. India: India's nuclear policy is based on 'no first use' and 'credible minimum deterrence'. India's weapons are not stored in a deployed state. India has about 172 nuclear weapons, mostly land and sea-based. India will need a minimum of 30 minutes to launch. Pakistan: Pakistan's nuclear strategy is focused on India. It has the capability to respond quickly. However, its weapons are not kept in deployed state. Pakistan has around 170 weapons, mainly ground-based.
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Vladimir Putin's 100-tonne Satan II 'world's most powerful' missile that sparked WW3 fears
Vladimir Putin's 100-tonne Satan II 'world's most powerful' missile that sparked WW3 fears The RS-28 Sarmat, also known as the 'Satan II', missile was announced by the Russian President in 2018 and has been described as the 'most powerful' nuclear weapon in the world, but it has a series of failed tests Vladimir Putin, the man at the helm of Russia (Image: Contributor, Getty Images ) Russian President Vladimir Putin triggered World War 3 concerns when he announced the world's most lethal nuclear weapon was under active trial seven years ago, generating a mixed international response. Dubbed Satan II, the RS-28 Sarmat missile was unveiled as a prime example of "next generation" warfare technology during the Russian leader's state-of-the-nation speech in 2018. It boasts unmatched capabilities, with the potential to deploy nuclear warheads worldwide, posing a significant menace to global superpowers such as the US, the UK, and Europe. Putin boasted that this formidable addition to Russia's military inventory would make other nations "think twice" about threatening Russia. Nonetheless, the Pentagon dismissed the notion that it poses any threat to the United States or its allies - but why such confidence? The RS-28 Sarmat missile has been described as the "next generation" of warfare technology (Image: Getty Images ) The missile's impressive specifications are intimidating: at 116 feet long and weighing a colossal 220 tons, its range is estimated to be between 10,000 to 18,000km, vastly overshadowing Russia's older intercontinental ballistic missile, the Voevoda (R-36). For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Reports from Russian media indicate the RS-28 could transport as many as 16 independently targetable nuclear warheads, though speculations suggest the actual number might be lower, at 'up to 10 warheads', reports the Mirror US. Article continues below The Sarmat missile made its inaugural test flight on April 20, 2022, with the Russian Defence Ministry announcing: "At 15:12 Moscow time at the Plesetsk state test cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, a Sarmat fixed-based [sic] intercontinental ballistic missile was successfully launched from a silo launcher." Shortly after this trial, it was revealed that 50 new Sarmat missiles would soon be ready for combat. However, this would be its only successful test. In February 2023, there were raised eyebrows when it seemed to leave a large crater on a launch site in Plesetsk in northern Russia - a fourth failure for the missile, if experts are to be believed, leaving significant doubts over the nuclear weapon. Matt Korda, an associate senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), provided Euronews Next with a breakdown of the aptly nicknamed Satan II. He described it as "politically significant" for Putin and stated that despite its failures, "construction continues." "Russia has long planned to replace every single one of its Cold War-era delivery systems with newer versions," he said. "The RS-20V Voevoda is the last of these types of ICBMs left in its arsenal. As a result, the introduction of the Sarmat will be politically significant for President Putin, as the embodiment of Russia's completion of this long-awaited transition". Korda also mentioned that contrary to Russian reports, the new RS-28 is still yet to enter service. However, the status of the weapon remains uncertain. He elucidated: "Not only has serial production of the missile been delayed, but its testing cycle has been marred by a series of postponed and failed tests. "It is clear that Russia is proceeding with construction to facilitate the missile's deployment - satellite imagery indicates that major construction is well underway at the first regiment of the 62nd Missile Division in south Siberia, and will soon begin at other expected deployment sites." Moreover, Malcolm Chalmers, Deputy Director-General of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), commented on Russia's nuclear capabilities, which already possess "already considerable destructive potential." Despite the increase in destructive power, he believes the new Russian rocket adds little to the existing threat. Speaking to the Telegraph, he remarked: "Russia and the Western nuclear states have had the ability to annihilate each other ever since they acquired strategic nuclear bombers, followed by intercontinental ballistic missiles, over 60 years ago. "Putin adding this new missile to his pre-existing 'overkill' capability makes absolutely no difference to the effectiveness of our Trident nuclear deterrent submarines." According to the Arms Control Association, Russia maintains 6,257 of the world's approximately 13,080 nuclear warheads. Article continues below In comparison, the US, which plans to upgrade one of its intercontinental ballistic missiles - the $100 billion LGM-35A Sentinel starting in 2029 - claims to have 5,550, while China, ranking third, reportedly possesses 350.
