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USA TodaySep 02, 2023
Russia Says Sarmat Intercontinental Missiles on 'Combat Duty'
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Image copyright: Presidential Executive Office of Russia [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
Yury Borisov, the head of Russia's Roscosmos space agency, said on Friday that the country's advanced Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) have gone on active combat duty.
"The Sarmat strategic system has assumed combat alert posture," Borisov said in public comments that were widely reported across Russian media.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This development is a grave escalation of the nuclear risks posed by Russia, matched by its ever-increasing nuclear rhetoric. These threats need to be met with firm countermeasures, and Russia's belligerence needs to be confronted.
Pro-Russia narrative
This truly unique weapon is unmatched in its capabilities. It should send a clear message to those threatening the existence of Russia to think twice before going down that path. Russia will always be prepared to defend itself.
