Test of Russia’s New Nuclear Cruise Missile: A Message of Defiance to the West

Putin described the missile as “unique” and “immune to existing defense systems,” adding that the test, conducted alongside recent nuclear drills, sends a clear message: “Russia will never yield to Western pressure over the Ukraine war.”

Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of Russian Armed Forces reported to Putin that the Burevestnik missile flew approximately 14,000 km and remained airborne for 15 hrs during its Oct. 21 test. Known by NATO as SSC-X-9 Skyfall, the missile is powered by a nuclear propulsion system and can carry a nuclear warhead.

The test comes amid peak tensions between Russia and the West over the conflict in Ukraine. In response, Trump stated, “We don’t play games with Russia, and they don’t play games with us,” hinting at the possibility of new sanctions against Moscow.