Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered top officials to draft proposals for possible nuclear weapons testing, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about restarting tests.
Putin emphasized that Russia has adhered to international treaties, but would respond if the U.S. or other nuclear powers test weapons.
At the same time, Putin showcased Russia’s next-generation superweapons, including the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater nuclear drone – both designed to provide strategic parity and global strike capabilities.
Experts warn these moves signal a new era of nuclear strategy, heightening tensions with the U.S. and its allies.

Putin Orders Nuclear Test Prep, Showcases Burevestnik & Poseidon Superweapons 

Putin unveils Russia’s “Flying Chernobyl” — the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile. Here's all you need to know about its specifications, range and why it might be one of Russia’s most advanced weapons.

Explained: All about Russia's Burevestnik, the nuclear-powered cruise missile 'no one else in the world possesses'

President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that Russia has successfully tested its nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable ‘Burevestnik’ cruise missile and will deploy the weapon, which can pierce any defence shield. Russia’s top general, Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces, told Putin that the missile was tested on October 21 and it travelled 14,000 km (8,700 miles) and was in the air for about 15 hours. Russia says the 9M730 Burevestnik (Storm Petrel)—dubbed the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO—is “invincible” to current and future missile defences, with an almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path.“It is a unique ware which nobody else in the world has,” said Putin, dressed in camouflage fatigues at a meeting with generals overseeing the war in Ukraine, in remarks released by the Kremlin on Sunday.&nbsp;Putin made the first announcement about the 9M730 Burevestnik in 2018, projecting the weapon as a response to the US moves of building a missile defence shield after Washington in 2001 unilaterally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and to enlarge the NATO military alliance.&nbsp;<h2>‘Classify the weapon, prepare infrastructure for its deployment’</h2>&nbsp;Putin directed Gerasimov to classify the weapon and prepare infrastructure for its deployment.&nbsp;The announcement sends a message that Russia will never bow to pressure from the West over the war in Ukraine as US President Donald Trump takes a tougher stance against Russia to push for a ceasefire.&nbsp;The timing of the missile test and its announcement by Putin in fatigues at a meeting with generals in charge of the Ukraine war sends a signal to the West after Trump has been calling Russia a ‘paper tiger’ for failing to subdue Ukraine swiftly.Reacting to reports of the Trump administration lifting a key restriction on Ukraine’s use of some long-range missiles provided by Western allies, Putin said on Thursday that if Russia was attacked, the response would be “very serious, if not overwhelming”.&nbsp;<h2>‘Burevestnik missile can defeat any anti-missile defence system’</h2>&nbsp;Gerasimov said the Burevestnik missile could defeat any anti-missile defences. He added that the training launches of Yars and Sineva intercontinental ballistic missiles had been completed along with two Kh-102 air-launched cruise missiles.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Putin oversaw a test of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces on land, sea and air to rehearse their readiness and command structure. “The modernity of our nuclear deterrent forces is at the highest level—higher than any other nuclear power,” he said.“The strategic forces are capable of ensuring the national security of the Russian Federation and the Union State in full,” Putin added.&nbsp;WATCH: Breaking: Burevestnik missile, Putin declares 'invincible' nuclear cruise missile ready!<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-burevestnik-missile-putin-declares-invincible-nuclear-cruise-missile-ready-1761468808682/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-burevestnik-missile-putin-declares-invincible-nuclear-cruise-missile-ready-1761468808682/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Putin made the first announcement about the 9M730 Burevestnik in 2018, projecting the weapon as a response to the US moves of building a missile defence shield after Washington in 2001 unilaterally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and to enlarge the NATO military alliance.

President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that Russia has successfully tested its nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable ‘Burevestnik’ cruise missile and will deploy the weapon, which can pierce any defence shield. Russia’s top general, Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces, told Putin that the missile was tested on October 21 and it travelled 14,000 km (8,700 miles) and was in the air for about 15 hours. Russia says the 9M730 Burevestnik (Storm Petrel)—dubbed the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO—is “invincible” to current and future missile defences, with an almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path. “It is a unique ware which nobody else in the world has,” said Putin, dressed in camouflage fatigues at a meeting with generals overseeing the war in Ukraine, in remarks released by the Kremlin on Sunday. Putin made the first announcement about the 9M730 Burevestnik in 2018, projecting the weapon as a response to the US moves of building a missile defence shield after Washington in 2001 unilaterally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and to enlarge the NATO military alliance. ‘Classify the weapon, prepare infrastructure for its deployment’ Putin directed Gerasimov to classify the weapon and prepare infrastructure for its deployment. The announcement sends a message that Russia will never bow to pressure from the West over the war in Ukraine as US President Donald Trump takes a tougher stance against Russia to push for a ceasefire. The timing of the missile test and its announcement by Putin in fatigues at a meeting with generals in charge of the Ukraine war sends a signal to the West after Trump has been calling Russia a ‘paper tiger’ for failing to subdue Ukraine swiftly. Reacting to reports of the Trump administration lifting a key restriction on Ukraine’s use of some long-range missiles provided by Western allies, Putin said on Thursday that if Russia was attacked, the response would be “very serious, if not overwhelming”. ‘Burevestnik missile can defeat any anti-missile defence system’ Gerasimov said the Burevestnik missile could defeat any anti-missile defences. He added that the training launches of Yars and Sineva intercontinental ballistic missiles had been completed along with two Kh-102 air-launched cruise missiles. On Wednesday, Putin oversaw a test of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces on land, sea and air to rehearse their readiness and command structure. “The modernity of our nuclear deterrent forces is at the highest level—higher than any other nuclear power,” he said. “The strategic forces are capable of ensuring the national security of the Russian Federation and the Union State in full,” Putin added. WATCH: Breaking: Burevestnik missile, Putin declares 'invincible' nuclear cruise missile ready! https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-burevestnik-missile-putin-declares-invincible-nuclear-cruise-missile-ready-1761468808682/embed

Putin made the first announcement about the 9M730 Burevestnik in 2018, projecting the weapon as a response to the US moves of building a missile defence shield after Washington in 2001 unilaterally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and to enlarge the NATO military alliance.

Russia tests new ‘invincible’ nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, dubbed ‘Skyfall’ by NATO

Russia appears to be preparing to test its nuclear-armed, nuclear-powered cruise missile, the 9M730 Burevestnik (NATO designation: SSC-X-9 Skyfall), ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday, according to two US researchers and a Western security source, Reuters reported.&nbsp;Independent analysts Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California and Decker Eveleth of the CNA research organisation in Virginia reached this conclusion after examining recent commercial satellite imagery from Planet Labs. They noted significant activity at the Pankovo test site on the Barents Sea archipelago of Novaya Zemlya, including increased personnel, equipment, and the presence of ships and aircraft associated with previous Burevestnik tests. A Western security source, speaking to Reuters, confirmed that preparations for a launch are under way.&nbsp;

A satellite image from August 7, 2025, shows equipment at Russia’s Pankovo test site on Yuzhny Island in Novaya Zemlya.

&nbsp;<h2>A missile with global reach and complex capabilities</h2>&nbsp;The Burevestnik is designed to deliver a nuclear payload anywhere in the world. According to Reuters, it flies at extremely low altitudes to evade radar, follows unpredictable flight paths, and has near-indefinite loitering time, allowing it to approach targets from unexpected directions. The weapon is seen as a Russian response to Western air defence systems, including the US 'Golden Dome' missile defence shield under development. Putin has previously described the missile as 'invincible' against current and future missile defences, citing its almost unlimited range. However, the Nuclear Threat Initiative reports that the missile has a poor test record, with only two partial successes among 13 known attempts. Critics also warn of the potential environmental hazard from radiation emitted along its flight path.&nbsp;<h2>Political timing and arms control context</h2>&nbsp;While the researchers told Reuters that missile tests are usually scheduled well in advance, they acknowledged that the timing could have political implications. A test during the week of the Trump, Putin summit could serve as a show of force, overshadowing discussions and signalling defiance of US calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Experts, including former acting US undersecretary of state for arms control Tom Countryman, told Reuters that such schedules can be advanced or delayed for political reasons.&nbsp;The developments come as New START, the last US–Russia treaty limiting strategic nuclear deployments, is set to expire on February 5. Lewis and Eveleth also noted that Planet Labs imagery showed stacks of shipping containers, specialised equipment, and personnel arriving at the site since late July, along with two radar-equipped aircraft parked at Rogachevo military airfield since mid-July. Neither the White House, the Pentagon, the CIA, nor Russia’s Defence Ministry commented on the possible test when approached by Reuters. &nbsp;

They noted significant activity at the Pankovo test site on the Barents Sea archipelago of Novaya Zemlya, including increased personnel, equipment, and the presence of ships and aircraft associated with previous Burevestnik tests.

Russia appears to be preparing to test its nuclear-armed, nuclear-powered cruise missile, the 9M730 Burevestnik (NATO designation: SSC-X-9 Skyfall), ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday, according to two US researchers and a Western security source, Reuters reported. Independent analysts Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California and Decker Eveleth of the CNA research organisation in Virginia reached this conclusion after examining recent commercial satellite imagery from Planet Labs. They noted significant activity at the Pankovo test site on the Barents Sea archipelago of Novaya Zemlya, including increased personnel, equipment, and the presence of ships and aircraft associated with previous Burevestnik tests. A Western security source, speaking to Reuters, confirmed that preparations for a launch are under way.

They noted significant activity at the Pankovo test site on the Barents Sea archipelago of Novaya Zemlya, including increased personnel, equipment, and the presence of ships and aircraft associated with previous Burevestnik tests.

Satellite images reveal Russia poised to test nuclear-powered missile ahead of Putin–Trump talks

Russia is set to conduct a potentially dangerous test for the Burevestnik missile, also known as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO. This is significant because this is the only known nuclear-powered missile and a speculative or experimental concept. Some analysts called it a ‘flying Chernobyl’. &nbsp;The United States also had a nuclear-powered missile called SLAM or Supersonic Low Altitude Missile system in the 1950s. But it was later discontinued due to being extremely dangerous.Russian Authorities have shut down a 500-kilometre airspace corridor near Novaya Zemlya from August 7 to August 12, covering more than 40000 square km. Images from the satellites suggest intense weeks of preparation at the Pankovo test site. The Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has deployed ships to the Barents Sea and aircraft to the nearby Rogachevo air base. This is the site where Russia have tested nuclear weapons and technology since 1950, according to <a href="https://www.thebarentsobserver.com/security/rosatom-may-test-reactorpowered-missile-over-the-next-few-days/434546">Barents Observer</a>.&nbsp;Burevetshnik has a theoretically unlimited range owing to the onboard nuclear reactor, and has been seen as President Vladimir Putin's most controversial nuclear weapon project. It can be equipped with both conventional and nuclear warheads. Burevetshnik, also known as Skyfall, can evade current missile defence systems. One potential drawback claimed by experts is its Subsonic speed, which hampers its stealth ability. It can fly at low altitude for longer distances and circumnavigate the globe, evading radar detection. But due to its slow speed, it might be prone to interception.&nbsp;The missile had been under development since 2010 and tested since 2017, with 13 tests showing mixed results, only two being positive. Notably, in 2019, during one test, the missile crashed in the White Sea, killing several scientists and releasing radiation. Experts warn that the test has the potential to scatter radioactive material across vast distances. Norwegian authorities, whose Finnmark region lies less than 1,000 kilometres from the test site, have voiced concern. The US has deployed its WC-135R ‘nuke sniffer’ aircraft to trace radioactivity in the region. Earlier in 2025, the United States decided to start its Golden Dome Project, which is a multi-layer defence system aimed at countering ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. A global arms race is on, with the new START treaty between the US and Russia set to expire by 2026."The Burevestnik is not a wonder weapon, and the challenges it poses for NATO security are neither new nor unmanageable," said Decker Eveleth from CNA Research Group. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia has declared a NOTAM from August  7-12 in the region, and it is preparing for another test for nuclear-powered, radar-evading, unlimited-range, Burevestnik aka SKYFALL missiles. There are concerns about accidents and radioactive emissions.

Russia is set to conduct a potentially dangerous test for the Burevestnik missile, also known as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO. This is significant because this is the only known nuclear-powered missile and a speculative or experimental concept. Some analysts called it a ‘flying Chernobyl’. The United States also had a nuclear-powered missile called SLAM or Supersonic Low Altitude Missile system in the 1950s. But it was later discontinued due to being extremely dangerous. Russian Authorities have shut down a 500-kilometre airspace corridor near Novaya Zemlya from August 7 to August 12, covering more than 40000 square km. Images from the satellites suggest intense weeks of preparation at the Pankovo test site. The Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has deployed ships to the Barents Sea and aircraft to the nearby Rogachevo air base. This is the site where Russia have tested nuclear weapons and technology since 1950, according to Barents Observer. Burevetshnik has a theoretically unlimited range owing to the onboard nuclear reactor, and has been seen as President Vladimir Putin's most controversial nuclear weapon project. It can be equipped with both conventional and nuclear warheads. Burevetshnik, also known as Skyfall, can evade current missile defence systems. One potential drawback claimed by experts is its Subsonic speed, which hampers its stealth ability. It can fly at low altitude for longer distances and circumnavigate the globe, evading radar detection. But due to its slow speed, it might be prone to interception. The missile had been under development since 2010 and tested since 2017, with 13 tests showing mixed results, only two being positive. Notably, in 2019, during one test, the missile crashed in the White Sea, killing several scientists and releasing radiation. Experts warn that the test has the potential to scatter radioactive material across vast distances. Norwegian authorities, whose Finnmark region lies less than 1,000 kilometres from the test site, have voiced concern. The US has deployed its WC-135R ‘nuke sniffer’ aircraft to trace radioactivity in the region. Earlier in 2025, the United States decided to start its Golden Dome Project, which is a multi-layer defence system aimed at countering ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. A global arms race is on, with the new START treaty between the US and Russia set to expire by 2026. "The Burevestnik is not a wonder weapon, and the challenges it poses for NATO security are neither new nor unmanageable," said Decker Eveleth from CNA Research Group.

Russia has declared a NOTAM from August &nbsp;7-12 in the region, and it is preparing for another test for nuclear-powered, radar-evading, unlimited-range, Burevestnik aka SKYFALL missiles. There are concerns about accidents and radioactive emissions.

Russia's nuclear-powered, radar-evading, unlimited-range, Burevestnik aka SKYFALL missile test spark fear of radioactive emission in arctic

President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to the West as he said that Russia could resume nuclear testing for the first time in over three decades and might withdraw its ratification of a landmark nuclear test ban treaty.&nbsp;

From Indian leadership to Canadian Nazi row, Putin discussed a range of issues as he addressed a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club.&nbsp;

During the address, the Russian leader Putin mentioned the Burevestnik as he said that Moscow had successfully tested a nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable cruise missile. He said that the capabilities of the Burevestnik are unmatched.&nbsp;

Putin said, "The last successful test of Burevestnik, a global-range cruise missile with a nuclear propulsion system, has been carried out."&nbsp;

<h2>What is Burevestnik and why does it matter?&nbsp;</h2>

Burevestnik is a ground-launched and low-flying cruise missile that is not only capable of carrying a nuclear warhead but is also nuclear-powered. Its name translates as "storm petrel". Putin first revealed the project in March 2018.&nbsp;

Russia has maintained secrecy&nbsp;over&nbsp;Burevestnik but the West has gathered some information as reports say&nbsp;that its nuclear propulsion gives the missile a much longer range than traditional turbojet or turbofan engines which are limited by how much fuel they can carry.&nbsp;

The Burevestnik would have a notional range of up to 20,000km, so could be based anywhere in Russia and strike targets in the United States, The International Institute for Strategic Studies said, quoting a specialist Russian military journal in 2021.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-alleges-brutal-russian-crime-in-ukraine-after-at-least-48-killed-in-strike-642980">Zelensky alleges 'brutal Russian crime' in Ukraine after at least 49 killed in strike</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The journal also said the notional altitude of the missile was just 50-100 metres, much lower than a conventionally powered cruise missile, which would make it harder for air-defence radar to detect.&nbsp;

A 2020 report by the United States Air Force's National Air and Space Intelligence Center said that if Russia successfully brought the Burevestnik into service, it would give Moscow a "unique weapon with intercontinental-range capability".&nbsp;

For Russia, the development of the missile's nuclear propulsion unit has been a huge technical challenge, involving a number of test failures.&nbsp;

In 2019, at least five Russian nuclear specialists were killed in an explosion and radiation discharge during a test in the White Sea, and US intelligence agencies assumed it was part of a Burevestnik test.&nbsp;

<h2>When will it be expected to enter service?&nbsp;</h2>

Western experts long questioned whether the missile would actually enter service. The Nuclear Threat Initiative, a non-profit security organisation, estimated in 2019 that deployment could be a decade away.&nbsp;

According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, Burevestnik's nuclear propulsion could enable it to stay aloft for days, if needed.&nbsp;

"In operation, the Burevestnik would carry a nuclear warhead (or warheads), circle the globe at low altitude, avoid missile defences, and dodge terrain; and drop the warhead(s) at a difficult-to-predict location (or locations)," it said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-set-up-naval-base-in-breakaway-georgian-region-of-abkhazia-642924">Russia to set up naval base in breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Russia's stance on nuclear testing</h2>

Putin said that there is a possibility that Russia could resume nuclear testing&nbsp;and might withdraw its ratification of a landmark nuclear test ban treaty.

The United Nations&nbsp;said in a report that in the five decades between 1945 and 1996, over 2,000 nuclear tests were carried out — 1,032 of them by the US, 715 of them by the Soviet Union, and the rest by other countries.&nbsp;

But concerns mounted, over the impact of nuclear tests on human health and the environment, so the&nbsp;Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was signed in 1996.&nbsp;

It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 10 Sep in 1996, but has not entered into force, as some nations have not ratified the treaty.&nbsp;

It is a multilateral treaty that banned nuclear weapons test explosions and any other nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments.&nbsp;

It was signed by Russia in 1996 and ratified in 2000. The US signed the treaty in 1996 but has not ratified it, which was pointed out by Putin as he said that the Russian parliament, which is completely loyal to him, might want to withdraw ratification too.&nbsp;

"I am not ready to say whether we really need to conduct tests or not, but it is possible theoretically to behave in the same way as the United States," he said.&nbsp;

A year after launching a "special military operation" in Ukraine, the Russian leader said in February 2023 that if the US resumed nuclear testing, Russia would also do it.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Vladimir Putin issues fresh nuclear threat amid war in Ukraine

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Experts said that Burevestnik and other new Russian strategic systems might complicate negotiations between Moscow and Washington over a replacement for the New START treaty, which limits the amount of nuclear weapons each side can deploy. The pact's future is uncertain, as Russia terminated its membership in February, and it is set to expire in 2026.&nbsp;

In a warning tone, Putin said that no one in the world in their right mind would use nuclear weapons against Russia and that potential enemies knew about Moscow's nuclear arsenal.

In response to a question, Putin said he was not ready to declare whether or not Russia needed to resume nuclear weapons testing, saying that "theoretically we could revoke ratification" of the international nuclear test ban treaty.&nbsp;

Putin did not say when the latest test took place, but the New York Times reported in October that it may have been recent, based on movements of aircraft and vehicles at a Russian base in the Arctic.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to the West as he said that Russia could resume nuclear testing for the first time in over three decades and might withdraw its ratification of a landmark nuclear test ban treaty.

President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to the West as he said that Russia could resume nuclear testing for the first time in over three decades and might withdraw its ratification of a landmark nuclear test ban treaty. From Indian leadership to Canadian Nazi row, Putin discussed a range of issues as he addressed a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club. During the address, the Russian leader Putin mentioned the Burevestnik as he said that Moscow had successfully tested a nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable cruise missile. He said that the capabilities of the Burevestnik are unmatched. Putin said, "The last successful test of Burevestnik, a global-range cruise missile with a nuclear propulsion system, has been carried out." What is Burevestnik and why does it matter? Burevestnik is a ground-launched and low-flying cruise missile that is not only capable of carrying a nuclear warhead but is also nuclear-powered. Its name translates as "storm petrel". Putin first revealed the project in March 2018. Russia has maintained secrecy over Burevestnik but the West has gathered some information as reports say that its nuclear propulsion gives the missile a much longer range than traditional turbojet or turbofan engines which are limited by how much fuel they can carry. The Burevestnik would have a notional range of up to 20,000km, so could be based anywhere in Russia and strike targets in the United States, The International Institute for Strategic Studies said, quoting a specialist Russian military journal in 2021. Also read: Zelensky alleges 'brutal Russian crime' in Ukraine after at least 49 killed in strike The journal also said the notional altitude of the missile was just 50-100 metres, much lower than a conventionally powered cruise missile, which would make it harder for air-defence radar to detect. A 2020 report by the United States Air Force's National Air and Space Intelligence Center said that if Russia successfully brought the Burevestnik into service, it would give Moscow a "unique weapon with intercontinental-range capability". For Russia, the development of the missile's nuclear propulsion unit has been a huge technical challenge, involving a number of test failures. In 2019, at least five Russian nuclear specialists were killed in an explosion and radiation discharge during a test in the White Sea, and US intelligence agencies assumed it was part of a Burevestnik test. When will it be expected to enter service? Western experts long questioned whether the missile would actually enter service. The Nuclear Threat Initiative, a non-profit security organisation, estimated in 2019 that deployment could be a decade away. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, Burevestnik's nuclear propulsion could enable it to stay aloft for days, if needed. "In operation, the Burevestnik would carry a nuclear warhead (or warheads), circle the globe at low altitude, avoid missile defences, and dodge terrain; and drop the warhead(s) at a difficult-to-predict location (or locations)," it said. Also read: Russia to set up naval base in breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia Russia's stance on nuclear testing Putin said that there is a possibility that Russia could resume nuclear testing and might withdraw its ratification of a landmark nuclear test ban treaty. The United Nations said in a report that in the five decades between 1945 and 1996, over 2,000 nuclear tests were carried out — 1,032 of them by the US, 715 of them by the Soviet Union, and the rest by other countries. But concerns mounted, over the impact of nuclear tests on human health and the environment, so the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was signed in 1996. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 10 Sep in 1996, but has not entered into force, as some nations have not ratified the treaty. It is a multilateral treaty that banned nuclear weapons test explosions and any other nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments. It was signed by Russia in 1996 and ratified in 2000. The US signed the treaty in 1996 but has not ratified it, which was pointed out by Putin as he said that the Russian parliament, which is completely loyal to him, might want to withdraw ratification too. "I am not ready to say whether we really need to conduct tests or not, but it is possible theoretically to behave in the same way as the United States," he said. A year after launching a "special military operation" in Ukraine, the Russian leader said in February 2023 that if the US resumed nuclear testing, Russia would also do it. Watch: Vladimir Putin issues fresh nuclear threat amid war in Ukraine × Experts said that Burevestnik and other new Russian strategic systems might complicate negotiations between Moscow and Washington over a replacement for the New START treaty, which limits the amount of nuclear weapons each side can deploy. The pact's future is uncertain, as Russia terminated its membership in February, and it is set to expire in 2026. In a warning tone, Putin said that no one in the world in their right mind would use nuclear weapons against Russia and that potential enemies knew about Moscow's nuclear arsenal. In response to a question, Putin said he was not ready to declare whether or not Russia needed to resume nuclear weapons testing, saying that "theoretically we could revoke ratification" of the international nuclear test ban treaty. Putin did not say when the latest test took place, but the New York Times reported in October that it may have been recent, based on movements of aircraft and vehicles at a Russian base in the Arctic. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Putin's 'unique weapon' Burevestnik with intercontinental range could hit US

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Russia's nuclear-powered SKYFALL missile test spark fear of radioactive emission

Explained | Putin's 'unique weapon' Burevestnik with intercontinental range could hit US