Russia Tested New Nuclear-Capable Missile, Putin Claims

Published: Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 12:35 pm

Russia Tests New Nuclear-Capable Missile, Putin Claims

MOSCOW, Russia – Russia has conducted a test of a new nuclear-capable cruise missile, according to President Vladimir Putin. The missile, named Burevestnik, or Storm Petrel, is designed to evade existing defense systems. Putin made the announcement in remarks released on Sunday, following a video released by the Kremlin showing him meeting with senior military officials.

General Valery Gerasimov, Russia's chief of general staff, informed Putin that the missile traveled 14,000 kilometers during a recent test. The test flight lasted 15 hours, with Gerasimov stating that this was not the missile's limit. Putin instructed Gerasimov to determine the missile's potential uses and begin preparing for its deployment. Putin also claimed the missile is invulnerable to current and future missile defenses due to its range and unpredictable flight path.

This announcement comes after Putin directed drills of Russia's strategic nuclear forces. The exercise, which included practice missile launches, involved all components of Moscow's nuclear triad. Intercontinental ballistic missiles were test-fired from launch facilities, and a submarine in the Barents Sea participated. Strategic bombers also fired long-range cruise missiles during the drills. The Kremlin stated that the exercise was designed to test the skills of military command structures.

BNN's Perspective:

The development and testing of new nuclear-capable weapons by any nation is a serious matter. While Russia's claims of invulnerability should be treated with caution, the potential for such weapons to alter the strategic balance warrants careful monitoring and diplomatic engagement. It is crucial for all parties to prioritize arms control and de-escalation efforts to maintain global stability.

Keywords: Russia, nuclear missile, Burevestnik, Storm Petrel, Vladimir Putin, military drills, strategic nuclear forces, cruise missile, defense systems, Kremlin, Valery Gerasimov, intercontinental ballistic missiles, arms control, global stability

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