Moscow: President Vladimir Putin says Russia will continue its ambitious military modernisation programme with a particular emphasis on nuclear strategic forces.
Speaking with top military brass, Putin said the nation's nuclear forces are a "major factor in maintaining global balance," adding that "they effectively include a possibility of large-scale aggression against Russia."
Russia-West relations have plummeted to post-Cold War lows over the Ukrainian crisis.
Putin said the military is set to receive 50 new intercontinental ballistic missiles -- a significantly higher number than in previous years.
The huge military buildup is continuing despite Russia's economic woes triggered by a combination of Western sanctions and slumping prices of oil.
The rouble collapse this week stoked up fears of high inflation and a banking crisis.
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