Vladimir Putin announced on 26 October 2025 that Russia successfully tested a nuclear-capable cruise missile known as the Burevestnik. Footage released by the Kremlin showed the Russian president receiving a report from Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov. The report stated that the missile flew for about 15 hours and covered about 14,000 kilometers.
The Burevestnik, designated by NATO as Skyfall, is a missile designed to travel extremely long distances while evading existing missile defense networks. Russian officials claim that its nuclear propulsion allows the missile to remain airborne for extended durations. This makes interception almost impossible under current Western defense technologies.
Putin first unveiled the Burevestnik project in 2018. He claimed the system possessed an unlimited range and could approach targets from unpredictable directions. British intelligence later described it as a nuclear-powered subsonic cruise missile capable of nearly indefinite flight and designed to bypass missile shields by taking nontraditional flight paths around the planet.
Western defense analysts have expressed skepticism about the technological claims. They cited significant safety and reliability concerns related to nuclear propulsion. Nuclear propulsion has long been viewed as technically challenging and environmentally hazardous due to the risks associated with radiation release during flight or testing failures.
In August 2019, an accident occurred at a Russian testing facility near the White Sea, resulting in a deadly explosion. The incident killed five nuclear engineers and two service members. It also briefly elevated radiation levels in the surrounding region and was widely attributed by U.S. government officials to an attempted Burevestnik engine test.
Putin emphasized that following the successful trial, Russia will begin preparing the infrastructure necessary for the potential deployment of the missile within the strategic forces of the country. He further stated that military and scientific experts are currently determining operational uses. They will be basing future steps on the results of the long-duration flight test.
The announcement coincides with escalating tensions between Moscow and Western governments amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin has repeatedly warned NATO and the United States against supplying Ukraine with long-range weapon systems capable of striking targets deep inside Russian territory. They framed such actions as unacceptable provocations.
Independent verification of the 15-hour and 14,000-kilometer flight has not been confirmed. This leaves questions about the reliability, accuracy, and practical deployment potential of the Burevestnik missile system. Others may also interpret the publicized test as part of the broader nuclear signaling strategy of Russia toward Western countries.