Vladimir Putin Unveils New Nuclear-Powered Missile Claimed as ‘Invincible’ by Russia

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Russia Tests Nuclear Missile Amidst Kyiv Drone Strikes

published: october 26, 2025 | Last Updated: October 26, 2025

Moscow has announced the prosperous testing of a new nuclear-powered cruise missile, capable of virtually unlimited range.The development coincides with a series of devastating drone strikes on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread damage.

Nuclear Missile Test details

According to a statement released by the Kremlin on sunday, the 9M730 Burevestnik missile-known as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO-covered a distance of 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) and remained airborne for approximately 15 hours during a test conducted on Tuesday. President Vladimir Putin described the weapon as “invincible” and uniquely resistant to existing and projected missile defense systems.

Putin, clad in camouflage attire, asserted that the missile represents a technological feat unmatched globally.He has instructed officials to accelerate the final preparations for its deployment, signaling a important advancement in Russia’s strategic capabilities.

Kyiv under Attack

Overnight drone strikes on Kyiv caused fires in residential buildings and tragically claimed the lives of three individuals, including a 19-year-old woman and her 46-year-old mother. A further 31 people, six of whom were children, sustained injuries. Emergency services worked diligently to evacuate residents from damaged structures in the Desnianskyi district.

An apartment building damaged during an overnight Russian drone strike in Kyiv.Pic: reuters

Ukraine’s Air Force reported intercepting 90 out of 101 drones launched by Russia during the overnight assault. Kyiv and surrounding areas were placed under air raid alerts for an extended period, lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.

Escalating Conflict

These events highlight the continued intensity of the conflict in Ukraine, now well into its third year. Both Russia and Ukraine maintain that they do not deliberately target civilian populations, although the ongoing hostilities have resulted in ample civilian casualties.

Event	Date	Details
Russian Nuclear Missile Test	Tuesday, October 22, 2025	9M730 Burevestnik missile traveled 14,000km in 15 hours.
Kyiv Drone Attack	October 25-26,2025	3 killed,31 injured; fires in residential buildings.
drones Intercepted	October 25-26,2025	90 out of 101 drones shot down by Ukrainian forces.

The Significance of Nuclear-Powered Missiles

Nuclear-powered missiles,like the Burevestnik,present unique challenges to conventional defense systems. Their extended range and unpredictable flight paths make interception significantly more challenging. Did You Know? The development of such weapons raises concerns about a potential new arms race and the destabilization of global security frameworks.

The use of cruise missiles in modern warfare has been steadily increasing since the 1990s, and represents a significant shift in strategic capabilities, offering precision strikes over long distances. Pro Tip: Keeping abreast of international politics and military advancements is crucial in understanding the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the 9M730 Burevestnik missile? It’s a Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile with an exceptionally long range and a challenging flight path for defense systems.
• How far can the Burevestnik missile travel? It reportedly traveled 14,000 kilometers during its recent test.
• What was the impact of the drone attack on Kyiv? Tragically, three people were killed and 31 injured, with significant damage to residential buildings.
• what is NATO’s designation for the Burevestnik missile? NATO refers to it as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall.
• Are there concerns about nuclear escalation? The testing of this new missile and continuous warfare increases global tensions and concerns over a potential escalation.

What are yoru thoughts on these escalating tensions? Share your perspective in the comments below and help us continue the conversation.

What are the potential implications of Poseidon‘s nuclear propulsion for the stability of underwater deterrence strategies?

The ‘Poseidon’ System: A Deep Dive into Russia’s Nuclear Capabilities

On October 26,2025,Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the operational deployment of a new nuclear-powered missile,dubbed “Poseidon,” asserting its “invincibility” against existing missile defence systems. This development has instantly sparked international concern and renewed debate surrounding the escalating nuclear arms race. The Poseidon, also known as Status-6, is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear warheads.

Key Features and Technical Specifications of poseidon

The Poseidon differs significantly from customary ICBMs. Here’s a breakdown of its core characteristics:

* Nuclear Propulsion: Unlike conventional missiles relying on solid or liquid fuel, Poseidon is powered by a nuclear reactor.This allows for virtually unlimited range and the ability to maneuver underwater, making it incredibly tough to track.

* Underwater Trajectory: Designed to travel underwater, the Poseidon avoids conventional radar detection, presenting a notable challenge to existing anti-missile systems.

* Warhead Capacity: The missile is believed to be capable of carrying a multi-megaton nuclear warhead, or a conventional payload. Estimates range from 2 to 50 megatons.

* Speed & Range: Reportedly, Poseidon can travel at speeds exceeding 100 knots (185 km/h) and has a range of thousands of kilometers, perhaps capable of reaching coastal targets worldwide.

* Stealth Capabilities: The combination of underwater travel and nuclear propulsion contributes to a very low signature, making detection extremely difficult.

Strategic Implications and Global Reactions

The deployment of Poseidon has triggered a wave of reactions from global powers. The United States, NATO, and various European nations have expressed serious concerns, viewing it as a destabilizing factor in the current geopolitical landscape.

* Escalation of nuclear Deterrence: Poseidon represents a shift in nuclear strategy, moving towards a more unpredictable and potentially devastating form of deterrence.

* Bypassing Missile Defense Systems: Its underwater trajectory and speed are designed to circumvent existing missile defense shields, like those deployed by the US in Europe and Asia.

* Potential for first strike Capability: Some analysts fear Poseidon could be used as a first-strike weapon, capable of crippling enemy infrastructure before a retaliatory response.

* NATO Response: NATO has reaffirmed its commitment to collective defense and is evaluating potential countermeasures to address the threat posed by Poseidon. This includes enhanced underwater surveillance and the development of new anti-submarine warfare technologies.

Historical Context: Russia’s nuclear Modernization Program

The Poseidon is not an isolated development.It’s part of a broader, decade-long Russian nuclear modernization program. This program includes:

1. RS-28 Sarmat ICBM: A heavy ICBM capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads.
2. Avangard Hypersonic Glide Vehicle: A maneuverable hypersonic weapon system designed to deliver nuclear payloads.
3. New Submarine Fleet: development of advanced nuclear-powered submarines capable of carrying Poseidon missiles.

These initiatives demonstrate Russia’s commitment to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent and challenging the existing global power balance. The modernization program is often framed by Russian officials as a response to perceived threats from NATO expansion and the development of US missile defense systems.

The Debate Surrounding ‘Invincibility’ Claims

Putin’s claim of “invincibility” has been met with skepticism from military analysts. While Poseidon presents significant challenges to existing defense systems, it is not entirely impervious to detection and interception.

* Acoustic Detection: advanced sonar systems can potentially detect the missile’s underwater movement, although the nuclear reactor shielding complicates this.

* Underwater Surveillance Networks: The US and its allies maintain extensive underwater surveillance networks,including SOSUS (Sound Surveillance System),which could potentially track Poseidon.

* Countermeasures Development: Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on creating new technologies to counter the threat posed by Poseidon, including advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities and improved missile defense systems.

* Vulnerability During Launch & Recovery: The missile is most vulnerable during the launch and recovery phases, offering potential windows for interception.

The Role of International Treaties and Arms Control

The development and deployment of Poseidon raise serious questions about the future of international arms control treaties. The New START treaty, which limits the number of strategic nuclear weapons deployed by the US and Russia, is set to expire in 2026.

* New START treaty: The future of New START is uncertain, with both sides expressing concerns about compliance and the scope of the agreement.

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