Putin boasts of new nuclear weapons amid Western sanctions
Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin has boasted that Russia has tested the Poseidon underwater system equipped with a nuclear power unit, claiming it has no analogues in the world and cannot be intercepted.
Source: Putin at a meeting with participants in the war against Ukraine, as reported by Kremlin-aligned Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS
Quote: "Yesterday, we conducted tests of another advanced system – the unmanned underwater vehicle Poseidon. It is also equipped with a nuclear power unit...
The power of Poseidon significantly exceeds that of even our most advanced intercontinental missile, [RS-28] Sarmat. There is nothing like it in the world, just as there is nothing like Sarmat, which will soon enter combat duty. But Poseidon is far more powerful than Sarmat. Moreover, in terms of the speed and depth of this unmanned vehicle, there is nothing comparable in the world, nor will there be any time soon, and interception is impossible."
Details: Putin told his military audience that "this is important" for them, as they are fighting on the front against Ukraine and wondering what they are fighting for and how prepared Russia will be to carry on their work in the course of the invasion.
The Russian ruler also mentioned the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile of "unlimited range", whose tests he reported on 26 October.
Putin said the Burevestnik's nuclear propulsion system is a thousand times smaller than a submarine reactor with comparable power, and its nuclear reactor "starts up within minutes or even seconds".
He added that the nuclear technologies used in the Burevestnik would be applied in the lunar programme, and its electronics are already being used in space projects.
Background:
- On 26 October, Putin held a meeting with Chief of Russia's General Staff Valery Gerasimov on tests of the Burevestnik cruise missile with a nuclear power unit. He claimed the tests "once again confirmed the reliability of Russia's nuclear shield" and said that the Burevestnik is a "unique weapon that no one else in the world has".
- Putin's statement on missile testing came as US President Donald Trump announced sanctions against Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil. The US president also cancelled a planned meeting with Putin in Budapest.
- On 23 October, the European Union approved its 19th package of sanctions against Russia.
- Back in 2022, Putin had ordered that Sarmat intercontinental missiles be put on combat duty, though media outlets reported five failed launches.
- Just weeks before the US presidential election, Putin amended Russia's nuclear doctrine in an attempt to intimidate the West amid discussions of authorising long-range strikes on Russian territory.
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