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Russia has successfully tested a new cruise missile, which is both nuclear-capable and nuclear-powered, presenting a potential challenge to existing defense systems. President Vladimir Putin announced that this development is a significant step towards its integration into Russia’s military arsenal.
This revelation arrives after several years of testing the Burevestnik missile, aligning with Russia’s ongoing nuclear strategies. The Kremlin has consistently resisted Western demands for a ceasefire in Ukraine and has issued stern warnings to the United States and NATO allies over the potential repercussions of long-range Western weapons targeting Russian territory.
On Sunday, the Kremlin released a video showcasing President Putin, clad in camouflage, as he received a briefing from General Valery Gerasimov. As Russia’s chief of general staff, Gerasimov reported that the Burevestnik successfully completed a significant test last Tuesday, covering a distance of 14,000 kilometers.
Gerasimov further noted that the missile, named after the storm petrel bird in Russian, remained airborne for 15 hours using nuclear power, asserting that the missile’s capabilities exceed what has been demonstrated so far.
Despite the impressive claims, the Burevestnik, known as Skyfall by NATO, remains shrouded in mystery. Many Western analysts remain skeptical of its efficacy, pointing out potential reliability issues associated with its nuclear engine.
When Putin first revealed that Russia was working on the weapon in his 2018 state-of-the-nation address, he claimed it would have an unlimited range, allowing it to circle the globe undetected by missile defence systems.
Many observers argue such a missile could be difficult to handle and pose an environmental threat.
The US and the Soviet Union worked on nuclear-powered missiles during the Cold War, but they eventually shelved the projects, considering them too hazardous.
The Burevestnik reportedly suffered an explosion in August 2019 during tests at a navy range on the White Sea, killing five nuclear engineers and two service members and resulting in a brief spike in radioactivity that fuelled fears in a nearby city.
Russian officials never identified the weapon involved, but the US said it was the Burevestnik.
“We need to determine the possible uses and begin preparing the infrastructure for deploying these weapons to our armed forces,” Putin told Gerasimov.
The Russian leader also claimed it was invulnerable to current and future missile defences, due to its almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path.
Last week, Putin directed drills of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces that featured practice missile launches. The exercise came as his planned summit on Ukraine with US President Donald Trump was put on hold.