Thursday, September 4, 2025
31.1 C
New Delhi

Russia readies nuclear-powered cruise missile test to boost leverage before Alaska summit: Ukraine intel

Russia is preparing to test its new nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered cruise missile and if successful, plans to use the results to bolster its negotiating position with the West, Ukrainian military intelligence said on Friday

Russia is preparing to test its new nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered cruise missile and if successful, plans to use the results to bolster its negotiating position with the West, Ukrainian military intelligence said on Friday.

Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the service, issued the written statement to Reuters just before U.S. President Donald Trump was due to hold talks in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

He did not give an assessment of the possible timing of the test in the statement, given in response to questions submitted by Reuters for a report published on Tuesday that Moscow was preparing to test the 9M730 Burevestnik cruise missile.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

He did not say how his service arrived at its assessment. It has for years received intelligence from the United States and its NATO allies, and it has its own networks inside Russia.

Reuters on Tuesday reported two U.S. researchers and a Western security source as saying that Moscow was readying a test of the Burevestnik at its Pankovo test site on the Barents Sea archipelago of Novaya Zemlya.

The researchers said imagery from Planet Labs, a commercial satellite firm, showed extensive activities at the site, increases in personnel and equipment and the presence of ships and aircraft associated with previous tests of the weapon dubbed the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO.

The Russian defense ministry, the Pentagon and the CIA declined to comment for that report. The White House did not comment directly on whether a test was being prepared, saying in response to a question about it that Trump wanted peace in Ukraine.

Yusov said Moscow, which has threatened to use nuclear weapons over the Ukraine war, saw a test as diplomatic leverage.

“Russia is preparing for another round of tests of the 9M730 Burevestnik,” his statement said. “The purpose of these tests is to validate scientific and technical solutions implemented by the missile.”

“If successful, Russia will leverage the test results to defend its interests in negotiations with the West,” he continued.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Putin has said the weapon is “invincible” to missile defenses, with an almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path.

But many experts say it is unclear if the missile can evade defenses, would not give Moscow capabilities it does not already have, and would spew radiation.

The Burevestnik has a poor test record, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative advocacy group, with two partial successes among 13 known tests.

End of Article

Go to Source

Hot this week

India aims to become a $30 trillion economy: Piyush Goyal says PM Modi has set new target

In an interview with News18, he said the vision has been laid out by PM Modi as part of a long-term roadmap to transform India into a fully developed nation by the centenary of its independence Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal Read More

GST 2.0 benefits will be passed on to consumers: Piyush Goyal says PM Modi has built trust with industry

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, highlighting the new GST reforms, India’s resilience during Covid-19 and a roadmap to make the country a $30 trillion economy by 2047 Union Commerce Minister Piy Read More

What went wrong with the US? Piyush Goyal calls US-India trade rift a ‘blip’, hopes for deal soon

The minister underlined that New Delhi continues to hope for progress on a trade deal with Washington, adding that both sides recognise the long-term importance of a strong economic partnership. Read More

Nauheed Cyrusi’s Banana Pancakes Are The Perfect Mix Of Health And Indulgence

Curated By : Last Updated:September 04, 2025, 19:10 IST Got ripe bananas in your kitchen? Don’t throw them away. Follow Nauheed Cyrusi’s simple banana pancake recipe to create this quick, nourishing, and comforting dish. Read More

A Taste Of Italy: Classic Recipes And Seasonal Delights To Try At Home

Curated By : Last Updated:September 04, 2025, 19:08 IST Discover the taste of Italy with classic recipes from pasta to desserts. Learn simple steps to recreate authentic Italian flavours at home and enjoy a gourmet experience. Read More

Topics

India aims to become a $30 trillion economy: Piyush Goyal says PM Modi has set new target

In an interview with News18, he said the vision has been laid out by PM Modi as part of a long-term roadmap to transform India into a fully developed nation by the centenary of its independence Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal Read More

GST 2.0 benefits will be passed on to consumers: Piyush Goyal says PM Modi has built trust with industry

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, highlighting the new GST reforms, India’s resilience during Covid-19 and a roadmap to make the country a $30 trillion economy by 2047 Union Commerce Minister Piy Read More

What went wrong with the US? Piyush Goyal calls US-India trade rift a ‘blip’, hopes for deal soon

The minister underlined that New Delhi continues to hope for progress on a trade deal with Washington, adding that both sides recognise the long-term importance of a strong economic partnership. Read More

Nauheed Cyrusi’s Banana Pancakes Are The Perfect Mix Of Health And Indulgence

Curated By : Last Updated:September 04, 2025, 19:10 IST Got ripe bananas in your kitchen? Don’t throw them away. Follow Nauheed Cyrusi’s simple banana pancake recipe to create this quick, nourishing, and comforting dish. Read More

A Taste Of Italy: Classic Recipes And Seasonal Delights To Try At Home

Curated By : Last Updated:September 04, 2025, 19:08 IST Discover the taste of Italy with classic recipes from pasta to desserts. Learn simple steps to recreate authentic Italian flavours at home and enjoy a gourmet experience. Read More

Legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani dies

10 minutes ago ShareSave Annabel RackhamCulture reporter ShareSave Getty Images The Italian fashion designer and billionaire brand owner Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91. Read More

Giorgio Armani: Legendary designer who revolutionised fashion

10 minutes ago ShareSave ShareSave Getty Images Giorgio Armani, who has died at the age of 91, was the first designer since Coco Chanel to bring about a lasting change in the way people dress. Read More

‘India has big role to play’: EU leaders speak to PM Modi; FTA, Ukraine conflict discussed

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a joint telephone conversation with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, where the leaders reviewed pr Read More

Related Articles