Russia unveils new nuclear weapon as Putin boasts arsenal surpasses 5,000 warheads

Speaking at a press conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Putin said the new nuclear system is currently under construction and testing as part of Russia’s expanding strategic deterrence program. He also cautioned that a new arms race is already underway among major powers.

“The complexity of our nuclear deterrence systems surpasses that of any other nuclear state, and we are actively developing all of them,” Putin declared.

The Russian president added that “a certain kind of arms race is indeed taking place,” noting that some countries are preparing to resume nuclear weapons testing. “That is why I have said that if they conduct tests, we will do the same,” he said. “Is this good or bad? From a security standpoint, it is good. From the broader perspective of deterrence, if it prevents—not just limits—an arms race, it may not be bad.”

According to Newsweek, Putin’s remarks come as the New START Treaty — the last remaining arms control agreement between the U.S. and Russia — is set to expire in February 2026, amid escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO over the war in Ukraine.

Western powers have repeatedly accused Russia of violating their airspace, conducting sabotage operations, and launching cyberattacks — allegations the Kremlin has consistently denied.

Data from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) cited by Newsweek shows that Russia currently possesses 5,459 nuclear warheads, of which 1,718 are deployed. The United States, by comparison, holds 5,177 warheads, including 1,770 deployed weapons.

The figures underscore an intensifying nuclear rivalry between the two leading nuclear powers, raising concerns over global security and the future of arms control.