Putin announces “final successful test” of nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile

In a recent announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin proclaimed the successful completion of a “successful final test” of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile.

According to the BBC, the weapon, shrouded in secrecy and intrigue since its first mention in 2018, is believed to have unlimited range potential.

President Putin’s revelation comes on the heels of a New York Times report suggesting an imminent test of the Burevestnik missile was dismissed. Although the president’s statement has not yet been independently verified, the Russian Defense Ministry has remained silent on the matter.

Burevestnik: Previous reports of test failures

While the Burevestnik, codenamed Skyfall by NATO, has been touted as an innovative weapon powered by a nuclear reactor, questions remain about its effectiveness. The arms control advocacy group Nuclear Threat Initiative reported that all 13 known tests of the system between 2017 and 2019 ended in failure.

Amid these developments, satellite images emerged last month hinting at Russia’s construction of new facilities on Novaya Zemlya, a remote Arctic island with historical significance in Soviet nuclear testing.

Despite the announcement of the missile test, President Putin emphasized that Russia had no intention of altering its nuclear doctrine. He stressed that Russia’s national security was not threatened and expressed doubt that any rational entity would consider a nuclear attack against his country.

However, he suggested that Russia could withdraw its ratification of the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, citing a similar action by the United States to sign but not ratify the treaty.

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