Def Sec Austin Warns That Russia Is Expanding Its Nuclear Arsenal

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has told reporters at a Pentagon event for US Strategic Command that, "Russia is modernising and expanding its nuclear arsenal."

• Austin continued: "As the Kremlin continues its cruel and unprovoked war of choice against Ukraine, the whole world has see Putin engage in deeply irresponsible sabre rattling."
• Austin's comments come as the Pentagon warns that the US military will be underfunded to achieve strategic goals in Ukraine, Taiwan, and the Indo-Pacific next year if the US Congress fails to pass a Fiscal Year 23 government omnibus to fund a record USD$858b US defence budget.
• Austin wrote in a letter to Congressional leaders last month: "Under the [Continuing Resolution], the progress funded by our FY 23 research and development budget — the largest requested in history — cannot take place, and our FY 23 procurement request — also the largest requested in history — cannot be fully executed."