Russia’s launch of the new RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was a routine test and not a threat to the US, the Pentagon told reporters. It also did not come as a surprise, since Moscow notified the US in advance under the terms of the still-existing arms control treaty.
“Russia properly notified the US under its New Start treaty obligations that it planned to test this ICBM,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday afternoon, adding that the test was routine, and the US Defense Department deemed it “not a threat.”
The new missile was launched from the Plesetsk military cosmodrome on Wednesday morning, with Russian President Vladimir Putin calling it an “event of great significance” for the country.
“This truly unique weapon will strengthen the potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure the security of Russia from external threats and give pause to those who try to threaten us in the heat of frenzied aggressive rhetoric,” Putin said.