Russia To Focus On Nuclear Arms Infrastructure In 2023: State Media

Russia's defence minister said on Wednesday that Moscow will prioritise the construction of nuclear-related infrastructure in 2023, according to state media.

“When preparing the list of major construction facilities for 2023, special attention will be paid to construction in the interests of strategic nuclear forces,” RIA news agency quoted Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu as saying.

According to Interfax, he said that facilities were being built to accommodate new missile systems.

Russia became the world’s second nuclear weapon state after it tested its first device at Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan on 29 August 1949.

Today, Russia is one of five recognised nuclear weapon states under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), a status which it inherited as the legal successor of the Soviet Union.

In addition to its nuclear weapons capabilities, Russia possesses an extensive civilian nuclear power infrastructure, including 35 operating nuclear power reactors located at 10 nuclear power stations, and a vast network of fuel cycle facilities.

The Russian government plans to expand civilian nuclear energy over the coming decades through the construction of new reactors.