Russia is preparing to test its new nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered cruise missile, the 9M730 Burevestnik, and could use the results to strengthen its hand in negotiations with the West, Ukrainian military intelligence said on Friday.
The statement, issued by intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov, came just hours before U.S. President Donald Trump was due to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska for talks on ending Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Yusov did not provide details on the timing of the test or specify how the assessment was reached, though Kyiv regularly receives intelligence from the United States, NATO allies, and its own networks inside Russia.
Reuters earlier reported that satellite imagery from Planet Labs showed heightened activity at Russia’s Pankovo test site on Novaya Zemlya in the Barents Sea, including ships, aircraft, and equipment linked to previous Burevestnik trials. Two U.S. researchers and a Western security source confirmed that preparations for a test appeared to be underway.
“Russia is preparing for another round of tests of the 9M730 Burevestnik. The purpose of these tests is to validate scientific and technical solutions implemented by the missile,” Yusov said. “If successful, Russia will leverage the test results to defend its interests in negotiations with the West.”
Putin has previously described the Burevestnik, dubbed SSC-X-9 “Skyfall” by NATO, as an “invincible” weapon with virtually unlimited range and an unpredictable flight path. However, analysts caution that the system remains unproven, poses major safety risks due to radiation, and may not offer Moscow capabilities beyond its existing arsenal.
According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, the missile has a poor track record, with only two partial successes out of 13 known tests.
The Russian defense ministry, the Pentagon, and the CIA have all declined to comment on the reports. The White House did not confirm whether a test is imminent, but reiterated that President Trump is focused on seeking peace in Ukraine.
The potential test underscores how nuclear brinkmanship continues to shadow negotiations, even as Washington and Moscow explore ways to end the nearly three-year-old conflict.
Written By Rodney Mbua
