Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia’s missile systems are more powerful and advanced than the weapons supplied to Ukraine by Western nations. Speaking at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, on November 28, Putin asserted that Moscow’s military capabilities, particularly in missile technology, far exceed those of the US and NATO countries. He further dismissed the notion that Western arms deliveries to Ukraine could shift the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.

Putin drew specific comparisons between Russia’s Iskander missile system and the US Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). The Iskander short-range ballistic missile system, he noted, not only matches but exceeds the performance of all three ATACMS variants in terms of range. While ATACMS has been a critical addition to Ukraine’s arsenal, it falls short of the range and flexibility provided by the Iskander system, according to Putin.

The president also commented on the US’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), a next-generation weapon designed to replace ATACMS. He dismissed it as being “in no way superior” to Russian missile technology. This assertion aligns with broader Russian claims of technological superiority in hypersonic and long-range missile systems.

Earlier this month, the US, UK, and France authorized Ukraine to use their long-range missile systems to target internationally recognized Russian territory. These weapons include the British Storm Shadow, French SCALP, and the American ATACMS, which have already been deployed in strikes on Russian soil. Despite these developments, Putin argued that these weapons, while sophisticated, would not alter the strategic balance.

“We know how many relevant weapons systems our potential opponent has; where exactly they are located; how many weapons have been delivered to Ukraine, and how many are planned to be delivered,” he said, emphasizing Russia’s preparedness.

Putin’s comments underscore Moscow’s efforts to downplay the impact of Western military aid to Ukraine. While Western nations continue to supply advanced weaponry, Russia has consistently claimed that its defense capabilities render such aid inconsequential.

One of the key points raised by Putin was Russia’s overwhelming advantage in the production of long-range missiles. According to the president, Russia’s output of these weapons is ten times higher than the combined production of NATO countries. Moreover, he projected an additional 25–30 percent growth in missile production next year.

This claim highlights Russia’s focus on scaling up its military-industrial complex amid the protracted conflict in Ukraine. With ongoing sanctions and international isolation, Moscow has redirected significant resources toward bolstering its domestic arms manufacturing capabilities.

Putin also spotlighted Russia’s hypersonic missile systems, including the Kalibr, Kinzhal, and Zircon missiles. These weapons, he stated, “have no analogues in the world” in terms of their speed, range, and precision. Production of these advanced systems is reportedly “in full swing” and set to expand further.

Hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, are seen as a critical component of modern warfare. Their ability to evade existing missile defense systems makes them a formidable threat. Putin’s emphasis on these weapons signals Russia’s intent to maintain a technological edge over both Ukraine and its Western allies.

Looking ahead, Putin promised that new state-of-the-art hypersonic systems would be added to Russia’s arsenal in the coming years. While details remain sparse, this commitment reflects Moscow’s strategy of prioritizing advanced military technology to counter perceived threats from NATO.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has increasingly become a proxy war between Russia and the West. Western nations, led by the United States, have provided billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine, including advanced missile systems, tanks, and drones. These supplies aim to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and push back against Russian advances.

However, Putin’s remarks suggest that Russia views these efforts as insufficient to alter the strategic calculus. By highlighting the superiority of Russian missile systems and the country’s robust production capacity, the Kremlin seeks to project confidence and deter further escalation by Western powers.

At the same time, these statements serve as a warning to NATO about the potential consequences of continued arms deliveries to Ukraine. Russia’s claims of advanced missile capabilities, coupled with its willingness to deploy them, underscore the risks of a broader confrontation.

The missile arms race between Russia and the West has broader implications for global security. While Western nations have emphasized the defensive nature of their support for Ukraine, Moscow views these actions as a direct threat to its sovereignty. This divergence has fueled tensions not only in Eastern Europe but also in other geopolitical hotspots.

Russia’s focus on hypersonic weapons, in particular, signals a shift in the global balance of power. As other nations, including China and the United States, invest in similar technologies, the race for hypersonic dominance could destabilize existing security frameworks.

President Vladimir Putin’s remarks at the CSTO summit highlight the evolving dynamics of the Ukraine conflict and the broader geopolitical rivalry between Russia and the West. By emphasizing the superiority of Russian missile systems and the country’s production capabilities, Putin seeks to counter the narrative of Western dominance.

While Western arms deliveries have bolstered Ukraine’s defenses, Russia’s military-industrial complex continues to churn out advanced weapons at an unprecedented pace. This reality underscores the challenges of achieving a swift resolution to the conflict and raises questions about the long-term implications for global security.

As both sides continue to invest in advanced weaponry, the risks of escalation and miscalculation grow. In this high-stakes environment, the need for diplomacy and dialogue becomes ever more urgent.

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