Putin orders Satan II to be made ready

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is threatening to hit ‘decision-making centers’ in Kyiv with his new (problematic) missile. Speaking at Russia’s version of NATO, the CSTO Summit in Astana, he warned that Moscow may target ‘decision-making centers’ in Kyiv.

Yesterday, Putin stated that the “massive” attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was a direct retaliation to Ukraine using Western-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia.

During his comments made in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin detailed that the assault involved over 90 missiles and 100 drones targeting 17 sites, which included military and defense industry locations. This attack resulted in widespread power outages, affecting over a million Ukrainian households. Putin also warned that future strikes might target “decision-making centres” in Kyiv.

The attack was Russia’s second major aerial assault on Ukraine’s power grid in less than two weeks, stoking fears of Moscow wanting to cripple Kyiv’s supplies ahead of what is expected to be a freezing winter – a recurring tactic over the nearly three-year war. He is also still pissed at Joe Biden for the American-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles Ukraine fired into Russian territory.

Putin has recently ordered the RS-28 Sarmat, commonly referred to as the “Satan II,” to be made ready for combat duty as soon as possible.

Here are some details regarding this development:

  • Purpose and Capabilities: The Satan II is a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads. It’s intended to replace older ICBMs in Russia’s arsenal, enhancing its nuclear capabilities. The missile can reportedly carry up to 10 nuclear warheads, each capable of striking separate targets, thanks to its MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle) system. Its range is stated to be over 11,000 miles, allowing it to target areas in the United States or Europe from Russian soil.
  • Recent Developments:
    • Despite several reported test failures, including a significant explosion (below) at a test site in September 2024, Putin’s directive indicates a continued commitment to its deployment. This move is seen as a response to escalating tensions, particularly with Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles provided by Western allies.
    • The Kremlin has warned against the idea of arming Ukraine with nuclear weapons, describing such actions as “insane” and potentially leading to global catastrophe. This context frames the urgency in making Satan II operational.
  • Strategic Significance:
    • The deployment of Satan II is part of Russia’s ongoing modernization of its nuclear triad, which includes land-based missiles, submarines, and strategic bombers. Putin has emphasized the importance of this modernization for Russia’s security and global stability.
    • The missile’s capability to fly over both the North and South Poles for global reach has been highlighted, potentially allowing it to bypass traditional missile defense systems.
  • International Reaction: The placement of such a missile system on combat duty has naturally raised concerns globally, especially given the missile’s nickname and the rhetoric surrounding nuclear escalation. However, there’s also skepticism regarding its readiness due to the repeated test failures.
  • Public and Political Statements: Posts on X indicate a mix of alarm and speculation about the implications of these orders, with some users noting it as a significant escalation in international relations.

The directive to expedite the readiness of Satan II reflects Russia’s strategic posture amidst ongoing conflicts and international dynamics, emphasizing its nuclear deterrent capability.

However, the operational status and actual deployment timeline of this missile remain subjects of speculation and concern due to its troubled development history.

There is also the fact that Russia is having problems manning its war with Ukraine and doesn’t want to risk triggering Article 5 of the NATO mutual aid convention by inadvertently harming a NATO country. Not to mention Putin has a suspended trading on the rouble.