The most recent reports indicate that the first flight of the Sentinel may occur in 2028, which means that the USA will be without effective ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) for about a decade — something that constitutes an enormous strategic risk.
On October 22, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin observed the strategic exercises of Russia’s nuclear forces, showcasing the incredible power and capability of the country’s military.
The exercises included the test launch of various types of strategic weapons, such as ICBMs, SLBMs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles), and ALCMs (Air-Launched Cruise Missiles).
The Kremlin officially released videos showing Putin observing the launches from a special command room, highlighting the ongoing readiness and technological advancement of Russia’s nuclear forces.
Although the exercises had been planned months earlier, many analysts consider them a clear warning to the West, and particularly to the USA, whose circles managed to cancel — even if temporarily — the Putin–Trump Summit.
The timing of these exercises, following the summit’s cancellation, reinforced the sense of a missed opportunity for dialogue between the two nuclear superpowers, at a moment when global security is in an unstable state.
Although the cancellation of the meeting may be viewed as a political maneuver, it is clear that this represents a major diplomatic error on the part of Washington, or rather of those circles within the USA that want the continuation of the war, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The USA has a strategic interest in holding the Putin–Trump Summit
The Summit, which had been scheduled to take place in Budapest, could have served as a vital platform for negotiating important global issues, particularly the imminent expiration of the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) in February 2026.
This agreement, signed in 2010 by Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama, constitutes the cornerstone of strategic arms control for both Russia and the USA.
However, as global tensions rise, especially due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the need for dialogue becomes increasingly pressing.
In fact, there may have been no better time to open negotiations with Russia, especially as the probability of nuclear war continues to rise.
Strategic stakes and the new START treaty
The New START Treaty, which limits the USA and Russia to 1,550 deployed nuclear weapons, expires in just three years.
This agreement has been crucial for maintaining strategic stability between the two powers.
According to the treaty’s terms, both countries are limited in the number of ICBMs, SLBMs, and strategic bombers they may deploy, as well as in the number of nuclear warheads they may hold in reserve.
However, the recent refusal of Washington to allow inspections, along with repeated violations by both sides, has provoked growing doubt about the treaty’s future, writes geopolitical analyst Drago Bosnic.
The Russian government has repeatedly expressed its willingness to extend the treaty, but the USA has not shown the same willingness.
The 2019 and 2020 discussions between the Trump administration and Russia ended in failure, partly because of Washington’s insistence on including China in the arms limitation agreement.
Only with the arrival of the Biden administration was the treaty extended until February 2026.
However, with only three and a half years remaining before the treaty’s expiration, the need for a Putin–Trump meeting is more urgent than ever.
Cracks in the nuclear power of the USA – The Sentinel program falters
The necessity of this urgent meeting stems from the serious weaknesses in the USA’s strategic arsenal.
The current backbone of the USA’s nuclear forces, the LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBMs, are now over 50 years old, with their modernization potential completely exhausted.
Their replacement, the LGM-35A Sentinel missile, is being developed by the company Northrop Grumman.
However, this program has suffered serious delays and issues, with cost overruns and technological obstacles that have raised doubts about its effectiveness and timely deployment.
The development of the Sentinel was expected to be completed by the late 2020s, with the missile entering service around 2029 or 2030.
However, due to persistent problems, the date of the first test has been postponed multiple times.
The most recent reports indicate that the first flight of the Sentinel may occur in 2028, meaning that the USA will be without effective ICBMs for about a decade — a massive strategic risk.
This delay comes alongside the increasing costs of the Sentinel program, with the latest estimates suggesting that each missile may cost over 200 million dollars — more than three times the price of the Russian RS-24 Yars, which is far more advanced and already in service.
While the USA struggles with these severe delays and cost overruns, Russia’s nuclear program continues to advance rapidly, with the RS-24 Yars and the upcoming RS-28 Sarmat leaving the American effort far behind.
RS-28 Sarmat: Russia’s ultimate weapon
The RS-28 Sarmat, known in the West as Satan 2, is an extremely powerful ICBM that represents the pinnacle of Russia’s strategic deterrence capability.
It is, without doubt, one of the most powerful weapons in human history.
A single RS-28 can wipe out a country the size of France or Texas.
Moreover, Russia’s nuclear triad is in perfect condition.
As the Chief of the General Staff clarified in his report to Putin, “the exercise aims to practice the procedures for the authorization and use of nuclear weapons.”
According to the nuclear doctrine, “the decision to use nuclear weapons is made by the President of the Russian Federation,” and the exercise demonstrated the flawless execution of the Supreme Commander’s orders.
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