Russia’s Nuclear Test Plans Stir Concern Ahead of Summit
Russia is making preparations to test its Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, a move that comes only days before Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump are set to meet in Alaska for talks on ending the war in Ukraine. Analysts say the timing could complicate the diplomatic atmosphere, especially given the sensitive nature of the planned discussion.
Satellite images studied by U.S. experts show increased activity at the Pankovo test site on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Barents Sea. Jeffrey Lewis from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Decker Eveleth from CNA Corporation have pointed to the arrival of more equipment, personnel, ships, and aircraft linked to previous missile tests.
Lewis told Reuters that the buildup suggests operations are close to starting, with a launch possible as early as this week. This would put the test almost in step with the Putin-Trump meeting, which is scheduled for August 15 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska.
Details About the Burevestnik Missile
The Burevestnik, known by NATO as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall, is one of Russia’s most ambitious military projects. It is designed to use a nuclear reactor for propulsion, which could give it the ability to fly across the globe while carrying a nuclear warhead. This design also allows for unpredictable flight paths, making it harder for missile defense systems to track and intercept.
Russian President Putin has described it as having almost unlimited range and being immune to current defense technology. However, experts are skeptical. U.S. officials have warned about the safety risks, calling it a “flying Chernobyl” due to the danger of releasing radioactive material during flight.
Since 2016, Russia has attempted at least 13 known tests of the Burevestnik, with only two partially successful. A deadly incident in August 2019 underscored the risks when an explosion at the Nyonoksa test site killed five nuclear scientists and caused a radiation leak.
Diplomatic Tensions and Strategic Signals
The timing of the test appears to send a message. Trump’s meeting with Putin is aimed at finding a path to end the Ukraine conflict, but Russian officials have recently repeated that their goals in Ukraine remain the same. This suggests there is little room for compromise.
The Institute for the Study of War reports that the U.S. has made it clear no agreements will be made without Ukraine’s involvement and a ceasefire. Meanwhile, analysts believe Russia may be pushing ahead with the test in response to the U.S. “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative, seeing the Burevestnik as a key asset to maintain military balance.
International Monitoring Efforts
The U.S. Air Force has deployed its WC-135R Constant Phoenix aircraft, designed to detect nuclear emissions in the atmosphere. Flights have been taking place over the Barents Sea to monitor any potential fallout from a test.
Norwegian defense officials, whose country is about 900 kilometers from the launch site, have also confirmed signs of preparations. They have voiced concern about environmental risks, as the missile’s design carries the potential for radioactive pollution. Russia has already issued navigation and airspace warnings for a vast area from August 9–22, covering the expected test window.
This planned missile activity, coming right before a major diplomatic meeting, reflects how military posturing and peace talks are still deeply linked in the current global climate. It also shows that trust between Moscow and Washington remains fragile.
Sources: reuters.com
