Vladimir Putin has once again sent shockwaves through the global community after announcing that Russia has successfully completed testing of what he calls the world’s most advanced nuclear weapon.
According to Russia’s top military chief, General Valery Gerasimov, the nuclear-powered cruise missile—known as Burevestnik or the “Flying Chernobyl”—underwent a full-scale test flight on October 21, flying 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) and remaining airborne for over 15 hours.
Speaking during a late-night visit to a military command center, Putin, dressed in uniform, praised the test as a landmark moment for Russia’s defense technology. He declared that the country’s nuclear deterrent capabilities have reached “the highest level in the world.”
“The modernity of our nuclear deterrent forces is at the highest level,” Putin said. “It would probably be no exaggeration to say that it is higher than all other nuclear states.”
Gerasimov confirmed that the missile completed all programmed maneuvers, demonstrating its ability to evade Western missile defense systems. Putin claimed the test proved Russia had achieved “what many experts once believed impossible.”
The Burevestnik is designed to carry a nuclear-powered engine, allowing it to fly continuously for days, potentially hitting targets anywhere in the world. However, it has earned the nickname “Flying Chernobyl” due to its radioactive exhaust and environmental risks—drawing comparisons to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
A Veiled Warning to the West
Putin’s timing was no coincidence. His announcement came as Russian forces unleashed another deadly wave of airstrikes on Kyiv, killing at least three civilians and injuring nearly 30, including seven children. Ukrainian rescue workers battled massive fires across residential blocks, some as high as 16 floors.
Despite international outrage, Kremlin officials attempted to deflect blame, with Russia’s envoy to the U.S., Kiril Dmitriev, claiming Ukraine’s own air defenses caused the destruction—an assertion strongly rejected by Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, calling them part of Russia’s ongoing terror campaign against civilians.
“Every strike by Russia is an attempt to cause as much damage as possible to ordinary life,” Zelensky said. “These are attacks on residential buildings, on our people, on children.”
He added that Russia had launched over 1,200 drones, 1,360 guided bombs, and 50 missiles in just the past week.
Global Reactions
Former U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed claims that Putin seeks peace, saying he had no plans to meet with the Russian leader. Meanwhile, Washington rolled out new sanctions targeting Russian oil, with reports suggesting more measures could follow.
Putin’s latest move appears designed to intimidate NATO and the West, showcasing his nuclear arsenal while escalating pressure on Ukraine. Analysts warn that his boasting about “unstoppable” weapons could mark another step toward a new nuclear arms race.
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