Moscow, May 13 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the successful test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile system, calling it the "most powerful missile system in the world" and a key component of Russia's strategic deterrence capabilities.

Speaking after receiving a report via videoconference from Russia's Strategic Missile Forces Commander Sergei Karakayev on Tuesday, Putin congratulated the military, scientists, engineers, and defence industry workers involved in the programme.

"Work on strengthening Russia's deterrence forces resumed in the early 2000s and has continued ever since," Putin said, adding that Moscow was "compelled" to reassess its strategic security following the United States' withdrawal from the A...