Russia’s Western 'friends' become closer to it following Sarmat launch — Medvedev

MOSCOW, May 13. /TASS/. Following the successful test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile system, which will soon enter combat duty, Russia’s Western "friends" have literally become "closer" to the country, Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev stated. Commenting on the missile’s long range and ability to overcome any missile defense system, the politician wrote on his X page: "Congratulations to all Russia's Western 'friends' on the successful test of the Sarmat strategic missile system. Now we're all so much closer!" Medvedev also posted a video of the Russian Defense Ministry’s test results. Earlier, Russian Strategic Missile Forces Commander Sergey Karakayev reported to President Vladimir Putin on the successful launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile system. The Russian Armed Forces plan to deploy the first regiment equipped with this missile by the end of the year. Putin noted that the Sarmat - the world's most powerful missile system - is four times more powerful than its Western counterparts. Its range exceeds 35,000 kilometers. The missile can travel along either a ballistic or a suborbital trajectory, overcoming all existing and future missile defense systems.