Global tension escalated this week after Russia announced the successful test of a nuclear-powered cruise missile capable of flying over 14,000 kilometers — a move that revived fears of a renewed arms race.
What caught international attention, however, was not just the test itself but former U.S. President Donald Trump’s sharp response. In an unexpected statement, Trump publicly called out Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to “end the war in Ukraine instead of testing missiles.”
According to the Kremlin, the tested weapon, known as the 9M730 Burevestnik or “Skyfall” in NATO terms, represents a major advancement in military technology. Officials claimed it flew for nearly 15 hours, demonstrating Russia’s ability to strike targets across continents.
Moscow described the launch as a “necessary step” for national defense, but Western analysts viewed it as a political performance meant to project strength amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
At a press briefing, Trump dismissed Russia’s display of power, saying, “They know we have a nuclear submarine right off their shores. It doesn’t have to go 8,000 miles. Putin should focus on ending the war instead of testing missiles.”
The remarks marked one of Trump’s most direct criticisms of Putin so far, signaling a more assertive stance that drew attention across the globe.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed the backlash, insisting that the test “poses no threat” to Washington and should not strain relations. Yet analysts suggest that Russia’s calm tone conceals a clear message — that it remains a nuclear powerhouse regardless of economic or political challenges.
The situation has revived memories of Cold War rivalries, though today’s world is shaped as much by cyberwarfare and sanctions as by nuclear deterrence. The Burevestnik test stands as a symbol of defiance and a reminder of how fragile peace remains in an era of shifting power.
Observers warn that the move could push NATO to accelerate its defense initiatives and reopen discussions on nuclear arms treaties once designed to prevent such escalation.
For Trump, the confrontation underscores a broader message: world leaders must prioritize ending wars, not expanding their arsenals.
When nuclear power becomes a political weapon, the world watches—and worries.
