Russia Tests Nuclear-Capable Burevestnik Missile Amid Ukraine Conflict

The Russian Federation on October 21 conducted tests of a new cruise missile with a nuclear warhead, “Storm Petrel.” According to reports, the missile flew about 14,000 kilometers and demonstrated the ability to bypass missile defense systems.

This was reported by Russia’s Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov during a meeting with the Kremlin’s head Vladimir Putin. According to Gerasimov, the “Storm Petrel” demonstrated the ability to bypass missile defense systems.

Putin said that Russia’s nuclear forces are the most powerful in the world.

Key statements and context

The dictator ordered the start of preparations to host the “Storm Petrel” in the army, expressed thanks to the army for successes near Kupiansk and the outcomes of combat operations on other fronts, and also instructed to take measures to create conditions for surrender of Ukrainian servicemen to minimize human casualties.

“Those who wish to surrender to Ukrainian service members are shot in the back; they are processed by drones.”

According to the American Institute for the Study of War, the Kremlin is trying to use Kirill Dmitriev’s visit to the United States to spread Kremlin narratives in the global information space.

Earlier, Kirill Dmitriev, a representative of the Russian dictator, said he was ready to discuss peace terms regarding Ukraine. The Kremlin added that during coordination of key issues a diplomatic solution can be found quickly.

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, noted in an interview with Il Foglio that the lack of key conditions prevented achieving a real ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia; forecasts for the summer did not meet expectations.

“Russia will not tie the timing of combat tasks to any dates during the Special Military Operation; it proceeds from military necessity.”

“Russia, during the “cleansing” of territories from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, must do everything to ensure the safety of local residents.”

Such events underscore the complexity of the situation and its impact on the international dynamics around Ukraine, particularly in the context of security and diplomatic talks.