In a move that has intensified global concerns about nuclear proliferation and strategic stability, Russian President Vladimir Putin has conducted a second nuclear weapons test within days of an initial test involving the Burevestnik nuclear-powered intercontinental cruise missile. This rapid succession of tests, occurring just days after the first demonstration, underscores a significant escalation in Russia’s military readiness and its perceived strategic advantage in the nuclear arms race.
The Burevestnik missile, also known as ‘Black Bribe,’ is a nuclear-powered weapon designed to travel vast distances with a reported range exceeding 10,000 kilometers. Its recent testing follows claims by Russian officials that the missile is a critical component of their long-term strategic defense posture. The White House and European allies have expressed alarm, with NATO and the United States calling for immediate diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions and prevent further militarization of nuclear arsenals.