Ukraine Russia Prepares Nuke Missile Tests Amid Trump's Warning

[CharlieH]

 

Putin prepares for nuclear war on eve of Trump summit: Russia readys new cruise missile nuke for tests in satellite images after Donald warned of 'severe consequences' if Ukraine conflict continues

 

 

Russia is set to test its nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik, coinciding with Vladimir Putin’s high-stakes summit with Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska. This development comes shortly after Trump issued a stern warning to Putin, threatening "severe consequences" if the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues unabated.

 

Satellite imagery from Planet Labs reveals heightened activity at the Pankovo test site in Novaya Zemlya, a remote location in the Barents Sea. The images show a significant presence of personnel, equipment, and military assets linked to previous tests of the missile, known to NATO as SSC-X-9 Skyfall. Analysts, including Jeffrey Lewis from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Decker Eveleth from CNA, have confirmed these preparations, indicating an imminent test.

 

The Burevestnik, touted by Putin as "invincible" due to its nuclear-powered propulsion system, is claimed to have an almost limitless range. However, doubts about its practical effectiveness and safety concerns regarding potential radiation release persist. Historically, the missile has a poor track record, with only two partial successes out of 13 known tests.

 

The planned test appears strategically timed to overshadow Trump's efforts to mediate the Ukraine conflict during the Alaska summit. Although the test may have been scheduled before the summit was announced, Putin's choice not to delay its visible preparations suggests a strategic assertion of power.

 

In Anchorage, Trump aims to employ his "art of the deal" strategy to negotiate peace, potentially reshaping European and global security dynamics. However, European leaders remain wary of any lenient ceasefire agreements, fearing they may embolden Russia to extend its influence further into European territories.

 

As part of the negotiation, Trump is reportedly considering offering Russia access to rare earth minerals as an incentive to halt aggression, including opening up resources in Alaska and lifting certain sanctions. These potential offers aim to encourage Putin towards genuine peace talks.

 

The international community’s attention is fixed on the Alaska summit. The outcome could significantly impact geopolitical dynamics, affecting the strategic balance of power in the region. Trump remains firm in his position, emphasizing that failure to reach a peaceful resolution could lead to severe repercussions for Russia.

 

Vice President JD Vance highlighted the US’s dedication to European peace and security, drawing parallels with historical alliances between the US and the UK. European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, have expressed readiness to support peacekeeping missions in response to diplomatic developments.

 

This summit is not just a discussion about the present conflict but a crucial moment that could dictate the future landscape of international relations. Trump’s planned meeting with Putin is viewed as a pivotal step towards laying the foundation for subsequent talks involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

 

As the world anticipates the outcomes, there remains cautious optimism for a breakthrough that could redefine stability and peace in the region. The international community stands hopeful, yet alert, to the possibilities of what this summit might herald for future diplomatic engagements.

 

This delicate balance of diplomacy and military might will be carefully watched, as global leaders strive for solutions that will bring an enduring peace to the region and address the humanitarian crises that have arisen from prolonged conflict.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily Mail 2025-08-14