When he gave his annual address to Russia on Thursday, President Vladimir Putin spoke highly of Russia’s military and new “invincible” nuclear missiles that can allegedly beat any U.S. missile defense.
He also used a concept animation video that apparently shows Russia’s new long-range missiles that can strike any target – hitting the state of Florida.
Florida is where President Donald Trump often visits; it is also home to Parkland, the site of the recent school shooting where 17 people died on Feb. 14.
“Any use of nuclear weapons against Russia or its allies, any kind of attack, will be regarded as a nuclear attack against Russia, and in response, we will take action instantaneously no matter what the consequences are,” Putin said, CNN reported. “Nobody should have any doubt about that.”
Putin on Thursday claimed that Russia has created nuclear weapons that can “avoid missile defense systems,” and that the country also intends to build up its stockpile of nuclear missiles that would be able to hit anywhere in the world.
He also said the new missiles would make any NATO defense “completely useless” and are “invincible.” Putin also said that other nuclear cruise missiles would have “unlimited” range, as well.
Putin was speaking at his annual state of the nation address when he made the statements and essentially put the United States on notice.
He said the “hypersonic Sarmat ICBM [intercontinental ballistic missile is] capable of outmaneuvering any existing missile defense.”
“It’s a response to U.S. abandoning anti-missile defense treaty and building up its potential. No one listened before, so listen to Russia now,” Putin said.
He said the Sarmat missile is “a new weapon in response to the deployment of missile defense by the U.S. abroad.”
“Any use of nuclear weapons against Russia or its allies, be it small-scale, medium-scale or any other scale, will be treated as a nuclear attack on our country,” Putin said. “The response will be instant and with all the relevant consequences.”
Putin also boasted of Russia’s “modern, compact and high-tech army.”
