Today Russia tweeted a video of a test launch claiming they have a new missile that could reportedly reach the U.S. coast and take out an area the size of Texas.
ABC News reports:
“Russia’s military on Friday said it had successfully carried out a second test launch of its most advanced nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile.
The country’s defense ministry released a video showing what it said was the launch of a RS-28 ‘Sarmat’ missile from a base in Plesetsk in northwest Russia, close to the Arctic Circle.”
In a clear signal to the West, Russia released video today of a test launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile. NATO's name for the ICBM is "Satan Two." https://t.co/Fg9a9cdrH5 pic.twitter.com/4dilENshSB
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 30, 2018
Newsweek reports:
“The test came as the Kremlin denied a U.S. report claiming President Donald Trump challenged his Russian counterpart during their telephone call earlier this month. While congratulating President Vladimir Putin on his March 18 election victory last week, Trump warned, “If you want to have an arms race, we can do that, but I’ll win,” NBC News reported Thursday, citing two unnamed White House officials.”
.@ckubeNBC: The US actually conducted a trident missile launch earlier this week, but it notified Russia in advance, keeping in-line with its obligations. We don't have information from DOD or WH that Russia notified about this launch. #AMR
— Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) March 30, 2018
This action comes after Russia closed the U.S. consulate in Saint Petersburg and expelled 60 U.S. diplomats. That move was in retaliation for the Trump administration’s decision to expel 60 Russian diplomats after the poisoning of a former Russia spy in the UK.