State Duma deputy Anatoly Wasserman, one of Vladimir Putin’s closest allies and a prominent pro-Kremlin figure, has issued a chilling warning about Russia’s undisclosed arsenal of advanced weaponry. Speaking to the Kremlin-backed media outlet Moskovskij Komsomolets, Wasserman claimed that Russia possesses military technology far more devastating than its recently unveiled Oreshnik hypersonic missile—a weapon that has already sent shockwaves through the global community.
The introduction of the Oreshnik missile earlier this week caused significant alarm. Deployed in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the missile represents a new level of Russian military aggression and sophistication. Reports suggest it can outmaneuver NATO air defenses, adding to the fears surrounding its capabilities.
According to the Times of Ukraine Telegram channel, this missile has the potential to strike British soil in as little as 20 minutes. While speculation circulated that the Oreshnik might be a rebranded version of the RS-26 Rubezh, a Cold War-era intercontinental missile, Kremlin sources have dismissed these claims, asserting that the Oreshnik is a completely new and unique design.
However, Wasserman’s remarks have further escalated concerns. During his interview, he indicated that the Oreshnik is merely the tip of the iceberg. “Russia has other weapons in its arsenal, compared to which the formidable Oreshnik, against which NATO air defense is powerless, may seem like a flower,” he said.
While declining to provide specifics, Wasserman suggested that these undisclosed weapons are designed to outmatch anything currently in the possession of Western nations. “We probably have many other types of new weapons,” he continued, “but, naturally, the enemy should not know about them yet.”
Wasserman emphasized that Russia is not alone in developing advanced weaponry, pointing out that other nations with sufficient resources are also actively pursuing cutting-edge military technology. “Everyone who has the resources for this is developing new formidable weapons.
I think we will surprise them more than once, although they also surprise us from time to time,” he remarked. According to him, Western countries have a financial advantage in this ongoing arms race. “They have as much money as a fool has tobacco.
Their expenses for the development and production of military equipment of comparable capabilities are tens of times higher than our expenses,” Wasserman noted. Despite this, he expressed confidence in Russia’s ability to remain competitive, implying that money alone cannot guarantee success in the development of superior weapons systems.
The timing of Wasserman’s comments coincides with heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations. The Oreshnik hypersonic missile, with its reported speed and precision, has already been labeled a game-changer in modern warfare. Its deployment is a clear signal of Russia’s intent to push its military agenda further, with Ukraine bearing the brunt of these advancements. Wasserman’s claims about even deadlier weapons in Russia’s arsenal serve as a veiled warning to the West not to underestimate the Kremlin’s capabilities.
In addition to discussing advanced weaponry, Wasserman reiterated his stance on Russia’s nuclear arsenal, a topic he has addressed in the past. Despite Russia’s significant nuclear capabilities, he argued that their use is unlikely due to the potential for catastrophic consequences, including for Russia itself. Citing an example of geological instability, Wasserman said, “When the volcano under the Yellowstone National Park explodes, not only will all of North America disappear.
Our Siberia may also have various problems. Therefore, we are in no hurry.” His remarks suggest that Russia is aware of the global consequences of using nuclear weapons and may view them as a last resort rather than a viable option for immediate conflict resolution.
Wasserman’s comments leave much to the imagination regarding the nature of the weapons he alluded to. Whether his claims are intended as psychological warfare to sow fear and uncertainty in the West or a genuine revelation of Russia’s capabilities remains unclear. What is certain is that his statements align with Russia’s broader strategy of projecting strength and unpredictability on the global stage.
The announcement of the Oreshnik missile and Wasserman’s subsequent remarks come as the war in Ukraine intensifies. Ukrainian officials are bracing for further attacks, while the international community grapples with the implications of Russia’s latest military advancements. If Wasserman’s claims about even deadlier weapons are accurate, they mark a disturbing escalation in Russia’s approach to warfare, with potential consequences far beyond the current conflict.
For now, the world waits to see whether these assertions will materialize into action or remain part of Russia’s ongoing propaganda campaign. What remains clear is that the Kremlin is committed to maintaining its position as a dominant military power, using both its existing arsenal and the promise of future innovations to keep adversaries on edge.
