Vladimir Putin’s ‘Invincible’ nuclear missile test amidst Ukraine war sparks global panic; Experts call it a ‘flying Chornobyl’
Vladimir Putin. Image Source: VladimirPutinNews/X
Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed a major breakthrough in military technology, announcing the successful test of the 9M730 Burevestnik (Storm Petrel), a nuclear-powered cruise missile said to have unlimited range and unpredictable flight paths. According to Moscow’s defense chief Valery Gerasimov, the missile traveled 14,000km (8,700 miles) and stayed airborne for 15 hours during the October 21 test.
The Kremlin describes the weapon, codenamed SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO, as “invincible” to modern missile defenses. Putin hailed the trial as “crucial progress” for Russia’s nuclear deterrence and ordered preparations for final deployment. The move underscores Moscow’s determination to assert power amid its prolonged war in Ukraine and deepening standoff with the West.
Experts Warn of ‘Flying Chornobyl’ Dangers
Arms control experts have sounded alarms over the environmental and safety risks of the Burevestnik, calling it a “flying Chornobyl.” The missile’s nuclear propulsion could release radioactive particles during flight, potentially contaminating vast regions if it malfunctions. Such a weapon, they warn, not only violates global safety norms but could also mark a dangerous shift in nuclear warfare strategy.
These warnings recall the 2019 nuclear explosion in northern Russia that killed five scientists reportedly working on the same project. At the time, Putin honored them posthumously, calling their work “unparalleled.” With the latest test, analysts fear Moscow is reviving a perilous arms race, one that blends technological ambition with Cold War-era recklessness.
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Kyiv Suffers Deadly Drone Strikes Amid Russian Escalation
While Moscow celebrated its missile success, Kyiv endured one of its deadliest drone assaults in weeks. Russian drones struck residential areas in the Desnianskyi district, killing three people and injuring 31, including children. Fires engulfed multiple apartment blocks as emergency responders rushed to rescue trapped civilians.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that 101 drones were launched overnight, of which 90 were shot down. Despite high interception rates, the attacks caused severe infrastructure damage. Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko condemned the strikes as “terror against civilians,” saying Moscow’s tactics aim to break morale while diverting attention from Russia’s mounting battlefield losses.
Moscow Airports Closed as Ukrainian Drones Target the Capital
In a bold counteroffensive, Ukrainian drones forced Moscow to close two major airports, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky, on Monday. Russian authorities confirmed that 28 drones were intercepted, though officials withheld details on possible damage, continuing their pattern of downplaying internal incidents.
Kyiv has made clear that such strikes target infrastructure linked to Russia’s war machine, not civilians. The growing reach of Ukraine’s drone operations demonstrates its evolving capabilities despite limited Western support. Analysts say these incursions have rattled Moscow’s sense of security, showing that the war has reached Russia’s own skies.
U.S. Sanctions and Oil Shock Deepen Kremlin’s Troubles
New U.S. sanctions on Russia’s oil industry have intensified the Kremlin’s economic challenges, causing a 6% surge in global oil prices and halting Russian crude deliveries to India and China. Analysts from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) estimate that if sanctions persist, Russia could lose $7.4 billion monthly in revenue, crippling its war financing.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump canceled a planned meeting with Putin in Budapest, citing the Russian president’s unwillingness to de-escalate the Ukraine conflict. The decision was a diplomatic blow to Moscow, as Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev accused the U.S. of making “titanic attempts” to sabotage dialogue. The growing rift underscores how economic pressure and political isolation are tightening around Russia’s leadership.
Analysts Say Putin’s Nuclear Boast Is Strategic Rhetoric
Military experts argue that Putin’s announcement is more about psychological warfare than actual battlefield advantage. Sean Bell, Sky News’ defense analyst, called the move “pure rhetoric,” suggesting Moscow aims to intimidate the West and reaffirm its dominance as the Ukraine war drags on. “It’s of no benefit to Russia to engage in a nuclear exchange,” Bell said, emphasizing that the weapon serves symbolic, not tactical, value.
Nonetheless, the optics of a successful nuclear test are powerful. Analysts believe Putin is leveraging the moment to project control and resilience, especially as Western unity wavers. With the U.S. election season and European fatigue setting in, Moscow’s message is clear: Russia remains capable, determined, and unafraid of confrontation.
Europe on Edge as Ukraine War Threatens Regional Stability
The slow-moving frontlines in Ukraine continue to raise alarm across Europe. Officials warn that if Ukraine falls, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia could face direct security threats. NATO has already increased surveillance and defense readiness in Eastern Europe, anticipating potential escalations stemming from Moscow’s nuclear brinkmanship.
At the same time, Western allies are grappling with war fatigue and domestic pressure over economic costs. Putin’s strategy appears focused on outlasting Western resolve, using nuclear displays and economic leverage to break the coalition supporting Kyiv. The Burevestnik missile may not just be a weapon; it’s a message that the Kremlin is prepared for a prolonged and dangerous endgame.
FAQ
1. What missile did Vladimir Putin claim to have tested?
Putin announced the successful test of the 9M730 Burevestnik (SSC-X-9 Skyfall), a nuclear-powered cruise missile with virtually unlimited range and nuclear strike capabilities.
2. Why is it being called a “flying Chornobyl”?
Experts dubbed it a “flying Chornobyl” because its nuclear engine could emit radioactive materials mid-flight, posing extreme environmental risks.
3. How long did the test last and what distance did it cover?
Russia’s military said the missile flew for 15 hours and covered 14,000km (8,700 miles) during the test on October 21, 2025.
4. How does this relate to the Ukraine war?
The test coincided with intensified Russian drone strikes on Kyiv, signaling Moscow’s intent to showcase strength as the war enters its fourth year.
5. What are the international reactions?
Western analysts condemned the test as reckless, warning it could reignite a nuclear arms race and heighten global instability.
6. How are U.S. sanctions affecting Russia?
Fresh U.S. sanctions on Russian oil exports have disrupted trade with India and China, potentially costing Moscow billions in lost revenue each month.
7. Is Europe at risk if Ukraine falls?
Analysts warn that a Ukrainian defeat could expose Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to Russian aggression, threatening the broader security of Europe.
