Potential testing of new Russian cruise missile amid diplomatic negotiations
According to major international news agencies such as Reuters, the Russian Federation is actively preparing to launch a new nuclear-capable cruise missile, despite scheduled diplomatic talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S.
President Donald Trump set for this week.
Sources within Western intelligence and military circles report increased activity at the Pankovo missile testing site on Novaya Zemlya in the Barents Sea — including larger numbers of military personnel, equipment, ships, and aircraft associated with missile tests.
Experts, notably Jeffrey Lewis from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California and Decker Evelet from the CNA research organization, suggest these signs point toward an imminent missile test, possibly within the week.
Satellite imagery from Planet Labs shows heightened activity, further supporting these claims.
Norwegian military officials confirm that the Barents Sea remains a primary testing location for Russian missile systems, with observable signs of preparation evident in maritime alerts and navigation warnings.
Analysts emphasize that the development of this missile has gained strategic importance for Moscow, especially against the backdrop of the U.S.
missile defense program ‘Iron Dome’ announced in January.
President Putin has claimed that the Burevestnik missile (known in NATO as SSC-X-9 Skyfall) is nearly unstoppable for current and future missile defense systems, boasting virtually unlimited range and unpredictable flight trajectories.
Nevertheless, reports indicate that the missile’s test results have been disappointing — only two of thirteen tests have been partially successful, raising questions about its readiness for deployment and operational use.