Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Monday that the development of Russia’s nuclear triad is an “absolute priority,” emphasizing its role in strategic deterrence and national security. His remarks came during Defender of the Fatherland Day ceremonies, where he also presented state awards to officers involved in the invasion of Ukraine, according to the Moscow Times.

The nuclear triad consists of land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers, designed to maintain a credible second-strike capability. Putin said Russia would also enhance the army, navy, and other branches of the armed forces, focusing on combat readiness, mobility, and the development of advanced systems.

The announcement follows Russia’s Feb. 5, 2023, suspension of its participation in the New START Treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement with the United States. While Russian officials said they would continue to take a “responsible” approach to their strategic arsenal, the move has heightened concerns in the West about potential escalation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by claiming that Putin’s actions effectively mark the start of “World War III.” Zelenskyy described the conflict as part of Russia’s broader attempt to impose a “different way of life” on the global stage and warned that Russia would likely rebuild its military strength quickly if territorial concessions were made.

“Stopping Putin today and preventing him from occupying Ukraine is a victory for the whole world,” Zelenskyy told the BBC on Feb. 23, adding that Russia “will not stop at Ukraine” and that further aggression is a looming threat to international security.