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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Ryan Fahey

Putin brags about 'unstoppable Satan 2' missiles capable of wiping out UK this autumn

Vladimir Putin has bragged about Russia's "unstoppable" Satan 2 ballistic missile which could raze an area the size of the UK to the ground.

The Sarmat ICBMs can travel 11,000 miles and carry 10 or more nuclear warheads, and could be launched by this autumn.

After the ballistic missile launch on Wednesday, the tyrant issued a chilling warning to the West as he boasted of a "big, significant event" for Russian defence.

He said: "The missile can break through all modern anti-missile defences.

"There is nothing like this anywhere in the world, and won't be for a long time."

He also declared the Sarmat will "ensure Russia's security from external threats and make those who try to threaten our country with aggressive rhetoric think twice."

He said the ballistic missile will protect Russia from 'external threats' and make those who threaten the country 'think twice' (via REUTERS)

Dmitry Rogozin, head of the Roscosmos space agency, confirmed Russia intends to deploy the deadly weapons this year.

Russia reported its first test-launch on Wednesday and Western military experts say more will be needed before the missile can be deployed.

This week's test came after years of delays due to funding and technical issues.

A ballistic missile test launch by Russian military (via REUTERS)

It marks a show of strength by Russia at a time when the war in Ukraine has sent tensions with the US and its allies soaring.

Some fear Russia could even use the missiles against Ukraine if the Kremlin fails to achieve its war aims.

Leigh Turner, the former British ambassador to Ukraine, said: “If Russia is visibly losing this war, it could be that Putin would authorise their use."

Mr Rogozin said in an interview with Russian state TV that the missiles would be deployed with a unit in the Krasnoyarsk region of Siberia, about 1,860 miles east of Moscow.

Some fear Putin could press the button and launch nuclear missiles at Ukraine (via REUTERS)

He said they would be placed at the same sites and in the same silos as the Soviet-era Voyevoda missiles they are replacing, something that would save "colossal resources and time".

The launch of the "super-weapon" was an historic event that would guarantee the security of Russia's children and grandchildren for the next 30-40 years, Mr Rogozin added.

When tested on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the missile had the "highest tactical and technical characteristics" and was capable of overcoming all anti-missile defence systems.

Putin added: "It has no analogues in the world and won't have for a long time to come.

"This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure Russia's security from external threats and provide food for thought for those who, in the heat of frenzied aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country."

The Russian Ministry of Defence said: "Sarmat is the most powerful missile with the longest range of destruction of targets in the world, which will significantly increase the combat power of our country's strategic nuclear forces."

Western fears about nuclear war have increased since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine.

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