Russia conducted a test on a new cruise missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads and powered by nuclear energy, which could evade existing defense systems. President Vladimir Putin disclosed this development, signaling its potential deployment in the Russian military. The announcement aligns with Russia’s nuclear strategy amid tensions, resisting calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine and cautioning against possible Western strikes deep inside Russia using advanced weaponry.
A video released by the Kremlin depicted Putin, clad in camouflage attire, receiving a briefing from Gen. Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s chief of general staff, who reported that the missile, named Burevestnik, traveled 14,000 kilometers during a critical test. Gerasimov mentioned that the Burevestnik operated for 15 hours using nuclear power, asserting that its capabilities surpass the current achievement.
The Burevestnik, known as the “storm petrel” in Russian, is shrouded in secrecy, with NATO codenaming it “Skyfall.” Western experts have expressed skepticism about the missile due to the potential unreliability of a nuclear-powered engine. Putin initially announced the missile’s development in his 2018 state-of-the-nation address, claiming it could achieve an unlimited range, making it undetectable by missile defense systems worldwide.
Critics argue that such a weapon could pose challenges in handling and environmental risks. The Burevestnik faced a setback in August 2019 when an explosion occurred during testing, resulting in casualties and a brief increase in radioactivity levels. While the U.S. attributed the incident to the Burevestnik, Russian authorities did not confirm the weapon’s involvement.
Putin instructed Gerasimov to prepare for the potential deployment of these advanced weapons in the Russian armed forces, emphasizing their immunity to existing and future missile defense systems due to their extended range and unpredictable flight patterns. Kirill Dmitriev, a senior aide to Putin, informed U.S. counterparts about the successful testing of the Burevestnik, highlighting it as a groundbreaking weapon system.
Earlier in the week, Russia conducted drills involving its strategic nuclear forces, including missile launches, amid the postponement of a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on Ukraine. The exercises encompassed all elements of Russia’s nuclear triad, featuring intercontinental ballistic missiles launched from northwestern Russia and a submarine in the Barents Sea, as well as strategic bombers firing long-range cruise missiles.
Simultaneously, Russia carried out drone strikes in Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties. The attacks targeted residential areas in Kyiv, claiming multiple lives and causing injuries, escalating tensions in the region. Ukrainian officials reported casualties from consecutive nighttime attacks on the capital and urged Western support for air defense systems following the assaults.
