PUTIN is said to have ordered the deadly 16,000mph Satan 2 to be battle-ready sparking fears of a major escalation in the war. The threatening move sees the killer nuclear capable RS-28 Sarmat

President Vladimir Putin has reportedly directed that Russia’s Satan II missiles be prepared for potential nuclear combat, escalating tensions in the ongoing war with Ukraine. According to multiple sources citing Russian state media, Putin has ordered the readiness of the Satan II missiles “as soon as possible.”

The RS-28 Sarmat missile, nicknamed Satan II, are capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and could potentially strike targets thousands of miles away - including the UK

Experts say the missile is more powerful than the Oreshnik used by Russia to strike Ukraine last week, but has been beset by 'catastrophic' failures

Russia's failed Satan II missile test caused a massive explosion, destroying its only hypersonic weapons site. Experts predicted years for recovery or potential test program cancellation. However, Moscow's recent warnings against Ukraine suggest testing wasn't abandoned.

Russia plans to deploy its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, also known as ‘Satan 2’, despite setbacks and failed tests. Capable of striking targets in the U.S. or Europe, the missile is a key part of Russia's nuclear arsenal.

Russia is continuing work to put its 'unstoppable' Satan II intercontinental ballistic missile on combat duty, as he plots revenge for Ukraine's use of long-range missiles from the US and UK