As part of a program aimed at modernizing Russia’s military, President Vladimir Putin has announced he will add more than 40 intercontinental ballistic missiles to his nation’s defense.

While speaking at an arms fair on Tuesday, the leader said, "More than 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles able to overcome even the most technically advanced antimissile defence systems will be added to the makeup of the nuclear arsenal this year."

Tensions between Russia and the west are currently high. The BBC noted that a day before Putin made his missile announcement, Russian officials denounced a U.S. plan to place tanks and heavy weapons in NATO states along Russia's border.

NATO, in concert with Western leaders, has accused Russia of sending soldiers and heavy weapons to the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. Russia has denied the accusations, saying any Russians fighting in that area are "volunteers"

In response to Russia’s alleged involvement with the separatist movement, both the United States and the European Union have placed economic sanctions on Russia.

Polish Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak stated on Sunday that he and U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter have talked about placing U.S. heavy army equipment in Poland. On hearing this news, Moscow warned Washington the deployment of new U.S. weapons near Russian borders would add to an atmosphere of dangerous instability in Europe.

"The United States is inciting tensions and carefully nurturing their European allies' anti-Russian phobias in order to use the current difficult situation for further expanding its military presence and influence in Europe," the Russian Foreign Ministry said, according to Al-Jazeera. "We hope that reason will prevail and it will be possible to save the situation in Europe from sliding toward a military standoff which could entail dangerous consequences."