Russia May Test Nuclear Burevestnik Missile This Week

Moscow is reportedly preparing to test its new 9M730 Burevestnik cruise missile—nuclear-powered and capable of carrying a nuclear warhead—just as President Vladimir Putin is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump this Friday to discuss the Ukraine situation, according to Reuters, citing two American researchers and a Western security source, CE Report quotes ANSA.

Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Decker Eveleth of the CNA think tank independently reached this conclusion after analyzing satellite imagery of the missile test site.

Both experts observed intense activity at the Pankovo test site on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Barents Sea, including increases in personnel, equipment, ships, and aircraft—all consistent with previous Burevestnik test preparations.

“We can see all the activity at the test site, including a large influx of supplies and movement around the missile launch area,” said Lewis.

A Western security source also confirmed Russia is preparing a Burevestnik test, Reuters adds.

According to Lewis, the test could take place this week, potentially overshadowing the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska.

Thanks to its nuclear propulsion, the Burevestnik is capable of striking targets anywhere in the world, making it a strategic game-changer.