Anna Hartz
Russia Tests “Unlimited-Range” Nuclear Missile, Raising Global Concerns. But experts shoot down Putin’s optimism.
The world is watching Russia’s latest military experiments with concern. Nations are wary as Vladimir Putin announces the testing of a nuclear-powered cruise missile.
The weapon, called Burevestnik, has unusual capabilities. It can fly low, follow the terrain, and travel for extremely long distances without stopping. Experts say it could evade missile defenses and carry nuclear warheads anywhere on Earth.
Putin’s New Weapon
On Sunday, Putin called the Burevestnik “a unique weapon that no other country has”, reports NBC. He appeared in a video with Russia’s Chief of General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, wearing camouflage.
They said the missile flew for 15 hours and covered 8,700 miles in the latest test. Gerasimov added that it could hit well-protected targets anywhere and dodge air defenses.
A Nuclear Powered Weapon
The missile uses a small nuclear reactor to heat air to very high temperatures. That powers a ramjet engine that could keep it flying for days.
Russia first announced the project in 2018. The idea is not new. The U.S. and the Soviet Union explored similar missiles during the Cold War but stopped because of technical risks.
A failed Russian test in 2019 caused an explosion in the Arctic, killing five scientists and releasing radiation.
Experts Are Skeptic
Western experts are skeptical about the missile’s practical use. Pavel Podvig, a researcher at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, says it is mostly political.
He believes Russia wanted to create something unique to impress the world. Some critics say the missile is expensive and unnecessary since Russia already has nuclear submarines and long-range missiles.
Trump:”Inappropriate”
President Donald Trump called the test “inappropriate” and said Russia should focus on peace talks with Ukraine.
Trump also pointed out that the U.S. has other ways to deliver nuclear weapons and that missiles do not need to travel thousands of miles.
“A Second-Strike Weapon”
Norway confirmed the test occurred from Novaya Zemlya in the Barents Sea. Observers say the missile’s main role is to act as a second-strike weapon, part of Russia’s nuclear deterrent.
Analysts also see the test as a political response to U.S. plans for missile defense and recent European sanctions.
While Russia presents the Burevestnik as a breakthrough, many experts doubt its effectiveness and warn about the safety risks of flying a nuclear reactor around the globe.
This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, who may have used AI in the preparation
