WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday said Russia acted irresponsibly by boasting of new nuclear weapons that President Vladimir Putin says are impervious to US defenses.
State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert says it was “unfortunate” to watch a video animation depicting “a nuclear attack on the United States” that accompanied Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state-of-the-nation speech Thursday. She called the video “cheesy” and said that “we don’t think it’s responsible.”
Nauert said the animation confirms that Russia has been creating destabilizing weapons systems for more than a decade in “direct violation” of its treaty obligations. She said the US has long known that but that Russia had previously denied it.
The Pentagon downplayed Putin’s announcement of new nuclear weapons, saying Moscow’s weaponry was long under development and had already been factored into US assessments.
“We’re not surprised by the statements and the American people should rest assured that we are fully prepared,” said Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White, after Putin, speaking ahead of a March 18 election, showcased missiles that he said could hit almost any point in the world.
US says Russia nuclear weapons boast irresponsible
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