Putin urges Russian nuclear weapons boost

Russian President Vladimir Putin calls for the country to reinforce its military nuclear potential and praises the army’s performance in its Syria campaign.

In a speech recapping military activities in 2016, Putin says the army’s preparedness has “considerably increased” and called for continued improvement that would ensure it can “neutralize any military threat.”

“We need to strengthen the military potential of strategic nuclear forces, especially with missile complexes that can reliably penetrate any existing and prospective missile defense systems,” he says.

“We must carefully monitor any changes in the balance of power and in the political-military situation in the world, especially along Russian borders, and quickly adapt plans for neutralizing threats to our country.”

He says Russia’s military has successfully demonstrated its capabilities in Syria, showcased its technology to potential arms buyers and helped the Syrian army make considerable advances.

“The Syrian army received considerable support, thanks to which it carried out several successful operations against militants,” he says. “The effective use of Russian weapons in Syria opens new possibilities for military-technical cooperation. We must take maximum advantage of this. We know there is interest in modern Russian weapons from foreign partners.”

–AFP