- Russia announced it has successfully tested a new nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat, which it expects to deploy later this year.
- Sergei Karakayev, commander of Russia's strategic missile forces, confirmed the successful test to President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, with Putin stating the Sarmat would be combat-ready by the end of 2026.
- The missile test comes amidst ongoing international efforts towards peace, including reports of the US pushing for a temporary ceasefire that would offer sanctions relief to Moscow.
- This development follows the expiration of a three-day ceasefire over the weekend, which had been announced by Donald Trump last week.
- Following the ceasefire's end, Russia's Defence Ministry reported that its forces had resumed combat operations and claimed to have shot down 108 drones within the past 24 hours.
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