Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that what he called the world’s most powerful missile system — dubbed “Satan II” by NATO — will be ready for “combat duty” by the end of the year after a successful test on Tuesday.

Russia test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile as part of efforts to modernize its nuclear forces. The nuclear-armed Sarmat missile would enter combat service at the end of the year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ​will visit China ‌very soon and preparations for the trip ​are already complete, ​Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov ⁠said on ​Thursday.