Russia Claims Successful Test of New ‘Invincible’ Nuclear Missile

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the country has successfully tested its new nuclear-capable cruise missile, known as the Burevestnik, which is now set for deployment. The announcement came during a video broadcast on Sunday, where Putin, dressed in military fatigues, instructed his military leadership to prepare the necessary infrastructure for the missile’s integration into Russia’s armed forces.

Putin described the Burevestnik as an “invincible” missile that can evade existing and future missile defense systems. He emphasized the need to explore its potential applications and initiate preparations for its deployment. Little is widely known about this missile, which has been given the NATO designation of Skyfall.

According to Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the general staff of Russia’s armed forces, the latest test demonstrated that the missile could fly for approximately 15 hours covering a distance of around 8,700 miles. This capability theoretically enables it to reach major U.S. cities such as New York City or Washington D.C.

The announcement of the successful missile test has been communicated to the Trump administration, as noted by Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy, who was in the United States at the time of the announcement. This test follows a series of nuclear drills ordered by Putin earlier in the week, which included practice launches of Russia’s extensive nuclear-capable missile fleet, reputed to be the largest in the world. These drills reportedly involved all components of Russia’s nuclear triad, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and strategic bombers.

The Kremlin has asserted that it reserves the right to employ nuclear weapons against any nation supported by a nuclear power, a statement that many interpret as a direct warning to NATO and the United States regarding their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Despite the bold claims from the Kremlin, experts have expressed skepticism about the Burevestnik’s capabilities. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, the missile has not demonstrated the reliability that Putin suggests. Its testing history has been troubled, with only two partial successes recorded out of 13 known attempts. Additionally, a 2019 incident during tests at a naval facility in the White Sea resulted in the deaths of five nuclear engineers and two service members due to an explosion.

As tensions continue to escalate globally, the implications of Russia’s advancements in nuclear technology remain a critical concern for international security. The Burevestnik missile’s deployment could potentially alter the balance of power and provoke a renewed arms race among nuclear-armed states.