Putin Announces Successful Test of Russia’s Burevestnik Nuclear Missile
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Sunday that the country successfully tested its nuclear-powered intercontinental cruise missile, Burevestnik. The Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, revealed that the test occurred on Tuesday, where the missile traveled 14,000 kilometers (approximately 8,700 miles) over a period of 15 hours.
Details of the Burevestnik Missile Test
The Burevestnik missile boasts advanced technical capabilities, ensuring precision targeting against well-defended locations at any distance. Putin emphasized its uniqueness, stating that no other nation possesses a comparable weapon. He visited a command center of the Russian joint forces and mandated the establishment of necessary infrastructure to integrate this weapon into the armed forces.
Background and Significance
- The Burevestnik falls under Russia’s advanced weaponry initiative, referred to by NATO as SSC-X-9 Skyfall.
- Previously, the missile generated headlines in 2019 due to a failed test that resulted in a tragic recovery mission in the Arctic.
This latest successful test follows prior months filled with satellite observations and navigation alerts that suggested an imminent launch. Putin has previously claimed that the Burevestnik is “invincible,” with its almost limitless range that can bypass U.S. missile defense systems.
Context of the Announcement
The declaration of the successful test comes amidst ongoing military operations in Ukraine, where Russian forces are gradually making progress despite facing stiff resistance from Ukrainian defenders. Peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv have been halted, even with mediation attempts from U.S. President Donald Trump.
In recent developments, Trump imposed sanctions on Russia’s two leading oil companies while expressing frustration over the lack of progress in diplomatic discussions to resolve the conflict.
Amid all this, Putin conveyed that he would not establish a timeline for ending hostilities, asserting, “We will base our actions on military rationality.” This statement underlines a continued commitment to military strategy over political pressures or deadlines.
