[Russia has] deployed another batch of its state-of-the-art intercontinental nuclear missiles. Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov inaugurated the new set of Topol-M missiles at the Tatishchevo missile base in the Saratov region Sunday, describing them asa "21st-century weapon" unrivaled in the world.

The Topol-M missiles, capable of hitting targets more than 10,000 kilometers [6,250 miles] away ... it is planned to equip each missile with three individually targeted warheads ... a next-generation heavy nuclear missile capable of carrying 10 nuclear warheads could enter service after 2009. [Army Deploys Batch Of Topol-M Missiles 12/23/2003]

A [US] State Department official said the missiles violate no strategic-weapons treaties. [Russia boasts new array of nuclear arms 12/23/2003]