Russia Tests ‘Sarmat’ ICBM After New START Treaty Lapses

Russia has successfully tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, which President Putin hailed as the world’s most powerful missile system. Officials say the first regiment will be operational by late 2026. The test came months after the New START nuclear arms treaty between Russia and the U.S. expired in February without a replacement. For the first time in over 50 years, both powers face no legal limits on warhead stockpiles or inspections. On the same day, the U.S. Congressional Budget Office released an estimate that a planned U.S. missile defense system could cost $1.2 trillion over 20 years. Two of the world’s biggest nuclear powers now move forward without the guardrails of a formal agreement.

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