Russia puts 'Satan II' nuclear missile 'on combat duty' with each one capable of carrying 10 warheads

Roscosmos’ chief Yury Borisov told students at an educational event: “The Sarmat strategic complex has been put on combat duty.”

Russia’s former deputy defence minister gave no further details.

The so-called Satan II nuclear missiles travel at 15,880 miles per hour and are the size of a 14-storey tower block.

Russia was expected to put the 208-ton missile on duty at the end of last year.

However, the decision was mysteriously delayed until the most recent update.

Kremlin propagandists previously boasted one strike could sink the United Kingdom under the sea.

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But Downing Street dismissed the claim, labelling it “another example of disinformation”.

Vladimir Putin warned to put the weapons on combat duty around nine months ago.

He said: “In the near future, Sarmat ICBMs will be put on combat duty for the first time.

“We know there will be a certain delay in time but this does not change our plans – everything will be done.”

The Russian President added in June: “'In the nearest future the first launch pads of Sarmat [Satan-2] with a new heavy missile will be put on combat duty.”

Moscow’s latest threat comes as a Ukrainian drone attacked a town in western Russia.

The town is home to one of Russia’s biggest nuclear power stations.

Kremlin air defences intercepted other drones heading towards three western regions.

Kursk Governor Roman Starovoit confirmed a drone from Kyiv damaged the facade of a building in the town of Kurchatov.

The 51-year-old, who did not mention any potential damage to the Kursk nuclear power plant, added: “There are no casualties.”