Russia’s Claim of “Invincible” Nuclear-Powered Missile Raises Tensions as U.S. Demands War’s End
Moscow/Russia
In a dramatic escalation of nuclear-arms posturing, the Russian government announced the successful test of its 9M730 Burevestnik (NATO codename: SSC-X-9 “Skyfall”), a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile.
According to Russia’s Chief of the General Staff, the missile reportedly flew 14,000 km (8,700 miles) over a 15-hour flight, and is described by Moscow as a “unique product that no other country possesses.”
Russia claims the missile can evade existing air-defences by flying low, employing nuclear propulsion for extended range, and performing unpredictable manoeuvres.
The announcement triggered swift condemnation from the United States. President Donald Trump publicly rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin, telling him he should prioritise ending the war in Ukraine rather than “testing missiles”. “A war that should have taken one week is now in its fourth year,” Trump said.
The Kremlin, meanwhile, defended the test, stating the weapons development is part of Russia’s effort to safeguard national security amid what it sees as Western militarisation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that Russia “is consistently working to ensure its own security,” and views the missile test announcement as neither provocative nor a signal of aggressive intent.
Key implications:
Strategic arms race: The deployment of a nuclear-powered cruise missile marks a potential shift in the nuclear-balance landscape and raises questions about arms control and escalation.
Diplomatic fallout: The U.S. is reportedly preparing new sanctions against Russia’s oil and gas sector, signalling further economic conflict alongside the military standoff.
Security tension: Experts have dubbed the Burevestnik the “flying Chornobyl” due to concerns about radioactive exhaust during flight and the historical 2019 accident that killed scientists testing the system.
Background:
Russia first revealed the Burevestnik programme in 2018, but has faced multiple test failures. Western analysts remain sceptical of both its operational viability and strategic value — citing cost, technical complexity and risk of radiation leakage.
Despite that scepticism, the announcement sends a clear message: Russia is determined to advance its strategic weapons portfolio amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising tensions with NATO and the United States.
Why this matters to readers:
Although Uganda is geographically distant from this confrontation, the ripple-effects are global: higher geopolitical risk can affect commodity prices, trade flows, and foreign investment sentiment. As Uganda seeks increased inflows of FDI and deeper integration into the global economy, shifts in great-power dynamics matter.
Urban professionals, investors and policy-makers should monitor how heightened global tensions could impact capital availability, security premiums and regional risk profiles.
With Russia asserting new strategic capabilities and the U.S. responding with both rhetoric and potential sanctions, the global environment appears increasingly destabilised. For African nations and their citizens, including Uganda’s growing urban class, the message is clear: global peace and security matter locally too. Staying informed is not optional.
