Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to underscore his commitment to strengthening Russia’s nuclear arsenal on Thursday after announcing Russia’s withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Use Treaty.

In a message from the Russian ruler on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day, which is a holiday in the Russian Federation, he is expected to reassure that the Kremlin will pay constant attention to building up the country’s nuclear forces.

In the text of his statement, circulated in advance by the Kremlin, Putin specifically says that “we will continue to pay increased attention to strengthening the nuclear triad,” referring to land-based, sea-based and air-based nuclear missiles.

Putin says that this year will see the first deployment of Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles, weapons capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads.

“We will continue serial production of the air-launched Kinzhal hypersonic systems and begin mass purchases of Zirkon sea-launched hypersonic missiles,” Putin said in his speech.

The Russian ruler’s ultra-patriotic message will be broadcast a day before the first anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow still calls a “special military operation.”

Russia is set to begin military exercises with China in South Africa on Friday and has sent a frigate equipped with hypersonic missiles.

Source: Reuters.