Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised to channel unlimited funds into the Russian army in a speech delivered as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky headed to the US.
Mr Putin vowed to ensure that Russia’s nuclear forces are combat ready, adding that Russia’s hypersonic Sarmat missile – dubbed “Satan II” – will be ready for deployment in the near future.
His speech, taking place during an end-of-year meeting of Russia’s top defence chiefs, coincided with Mr Zelensky making his first visit out of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president is currently on his way to Washington DC to meet US President Joe Biden at the White House and visit Congress, where he will hold a joint address.
Mr Zelensky said the visit will seek to strengthen Ukraine's “resilience and defence capabilities” as Russian attacks continue on Ukrainian energy and water supplies.
Meanwhile, Mr Biden will announce a package of military assistance for Ukraine valued at nearly $2bn that will include a Patriot missile battery to help it defend itself against barrages of Russian missiles.
