Trump urges Putin to prioritize Ukraine peace over missile tests, cites US Nuclear Submarine presence near Russia
WASHINGTON (The Uttam Hindu) - US President Donald Trump has sent a sharp message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he should end the Ukraine war instead of focusing on nuclear missile tests. "A war that should have ended in just a week has now lasted four years," Trump said.
He claimed that the US has deployed its nuclear-powered submarines off the Russian coast. “We know our submarines are the best in the world. They won't even need to travel 8,000 miles (about 12,874 km),”
Trump warned that Russia had demonstrated its strength – successfully testing a nuclear-powered missile. Putin announced on Sunday that Russia had successfully tested its new nuclear-powered cruise missile, the 9M730 Burevestnik. According to Russian defense officials, the missile has an "unlimited range" and will soon be put into active service.
The Kremlin's response – "Russia will put its own interests first"
Russia responded to Trump's statement by saying it is ready for dialogue with the United States, but will prioritize its national interests. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "We are always ready for dialogue with the United States, but Russia will put its own interests first. That was the case before, is the case now, and will remain the case in the future."
The missile was announced seven years ago
President Putin first mentioned this missile in March 2018. He claimed that it could evade US missile defense systems. According to Russian Army Chief Valery Gerasimov, in the test on October 21st, the missile traveled a distance of 14,000 km and remained in the air for approximately 15 hours. It was fully nuclear-powered and was said to be capable of penetrating any defense system.
How does this missile work?
This missile is equipped with a miniature nuclear reactor that superheats the air, providing the missile with the necessary thrust. This gives it a much greater speed and flight duration than conventionally fueled missiles. According to the US organization Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), this missile can remain in the air for several days, fly at low altitudes, and attack suddenly from any direction, making it nearly impossible to detect.
Technical Capability and Potential Threat
A 2021 report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) stated that the missile could have a range of up to 20,000 km (12,400 mi). It flies at an altitude of 50 to 100 meters, making it undetectable by radar. According to the US Air Force Intelligence Center, if Russia deploys this weapon, it would be the world's first fully nuclear-powered intercontinental weapon.