Story perspectives

Russia Tests Sarmat ICBM, Claims 35,000km Range, Deploys Year-End

5/14/2026

Summary

Russia Tests Sarmat

Russia test-fired the RS-28 Sarmat ICBM, a launch confirmed by Sergei Karakayev, commander of the Strategic Missile Forces.
President Vladimir Putin said the missile carries warheads with a combined yield over four times any Western system and can travel up to 35,000 km on ballistic or sub-orbital trajectories.
He announced the Sarmat will enter combat duty by year-end, noting the test follows the February 2026 New START expiry and raises arms-race concerns.

Summary

Putin Trims Parade

The May 9 Victory Day Parade was reduced, showing no military hardware in almost twenty years.
President Vladimir Putin greeted teacher Vera Gurevich, gave her flowers and escorted her to a Kremlin dinner.
Authorities arrested Alexander Gavrilov, head of the Krasmash plant producing the Sarmat missile, on embezzlement charges.
Officials said the trimmed parade reflected security concerns after Ukrainian strikes, dismissing an intelligence report that claimed Putin’s personal security was vastly expanded.

Summary

Ukraine Strikes

Ukraine struck gas facilities in Russia’s Orenburg region, 1,500 km from the front.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the “Golden Dome” missile-defense program will cost $1.2 trillion over the next 20 years.
The Sarmat ICBM is 35.3 m long, 3 m wide, weighs 208.1 tonnes, carries a 10-tonne payload and reaches about 18,000 km, far below Putin’s claimed 35,000 km.
The Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, already in service, can travel at roughly 27 times the speed of sound.

History

Historical Context

START I, signed in 1991 and effective December 1994, limited each side to 1,600 deployed ICBMs and 6,000 warheads. After its 2009 expiry, New START in 2010 cut limits to 1,550 warheads and 800 launchers, lasting until 2026. Russia’s 2024 RS-28 Sarmat test, announced by Strategic Missile Forces commander Sergei Karakayev, exceeds the original 1,600-ICBM cap, prompting renewed arms-control talks.

1 of 4

Russia Tests Sarmat

Russia test-fired the RS-28 Sarmat ICBM, a launch confirmed by Sergei Karakayev, commander of the Strategic Missile Forces.
President Vladimir Putin said the missile carries warheads with a combined yield over four times any Western system and can travel up to 35,000 km on ballistic or sub-orbital trajectories.
He announced the Sarmat will enter combat duty by year-end, noting the test follows the February 2026 New START expiry and raises arms-race concerns.

1 / 4