Russia on Tuesday test-fired an “advanced” intercontinental ballistic missile, a few weeks after announcing the suspension of its participation in the nuclear disarmament treaty it has signed with the United States.

A combat unit “successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)” from the Kapustin Yar test range, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

“The missile’s test warhead hit a dummy target at the Shari Sagan training range (Republic of Kazakhstan),” the statement added, which did not specify the type of intercontinental ballistic missile used.

The ministry clarified, however, that the exercise was aimed “to test advanced combat equipment.”

Photo: Ministry of Defense of Russia

“This launch made it possible to confirm the accuracy of the circuits and technical solutions used in the development of new strategic missile systems,” the same source explained.

Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly hinted that the use of nuclear weapons is not out of the question if Russia feels threatened.

In late February, the two houses of the Russian parliament also suspended the suspension of the New Start nuclear disarmament treaty, signed in 2010. It is the last bilateral nuclear disarmament agreement between the Russians and the Americans, under which the parties agreed to limit their nuclear stockpiles and accept mutual inspections.

Vladimir Putin had promised in late February that the latest intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat, would enter service this year, described as a weapon capable of “bypassing all anti-aircraft systems” and which would “make them think twice those who try to threaten” Russia.