Russian TV Host Says U.S. in Denial About Moscow's Military Strength

A Russian TV presenter suggested Sunday that the United States is in denial about Moscow's military strength.

Dmitry Kiselev, an anchor on state-run Rossiya 1 TV, appeared to suggest on his Vesti Nedeli segment that Moscow is disappointed by Washington's reaction to Russia testing its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile.

He was referring to the Pentagon's statement that was issued shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Wednesday that Moscow successfully test-launched the RS-28 Sarmat, a new addition to its nuclear arsenal.

The Pentagon said it was notified by Russia ahead of the test launch, and that the missile was not deemed as a "threat" to the U.S. and its allies.

"The U.S. cheerfully declared that they did not perceive the testing of the Sarmat missile as a threat or a warning at all," Kiselev said during his news segment Sunday.

"The reaction was as if they denied the fundamental importance of what happened," he said. "This is generally typical for the first phase of grief: denial."

In an appearance on state television, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile a "truly unique weapon."

'Satan 2'

It has been dubbed by NATO as "Satan 2," and is considered Moscow's most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile. It is capable of carrying 10 or more nuclear warheads and decoys, and has the capability of striking targets located thousands of miles away.

The Sarmat will "strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure Russia's security from external threats and provide food for thought for those who, in the heat of frenzied aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country," Putin said.

"The new complex has the highest tactical and technical characteristics and is capable of overcoming all modern means of anti-missile defense. It has no analogs in the world and will not have for a long time to come," Putin added.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that the missile would increase the power of Russia's nuclear potential and that it has "unique characteristics that allow it to reliably overcome any existing and future missile defense systems."

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the department "has not deemed the test to be a threat to the United States or its allies."

"Testing is routine, and it was not a surprise," he said Wednesday.

Kiselev added that he wonders how long it will take U.S. officials to "realize the presence" of the Sarmat, which he described as "such an unusual missile."

Russia said Saturday that it plans to deploy the missiles by autumn.

Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon and the Russian Foreign Ministry for comment.