The Russian leader claims that weapons have a global reach and are “undetectable” by defense systems
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (October 5, 2023) that the country had “successfully” completed tests of an experimental missile developed by Russia and that nuclear weapons were ready for production.
In an announcement during his annual speech at the Valdai International Discussion Club think tank event, Putin said that only “some bureaucratic procedures for mass production” remained to be completed. [do míssil]to put it on combat readiness” and that the government will do so “soon”. You can find the full statement here (PDF 410 kB, in English).
The weapon, called Burevestnik, is a nuclearpowered cruise missile. When Putin first mentioned it in 2018, the president explained that the projectile had an unlimited range and was also “undetectable” by defense systems.
During the speech, Putin also stated that Moscow could withdraw its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty signed with the United States in 2010.
“Russia signed and ratified the treaty, but the United States only signed it. Scientists say the warheads of new weapons need to be tested. “I can’t say now whether the tests are necessary, but I would say that we can take a step back on ratification,” the president said.
The treaty was signed by Russia and the United States to control the use of nuclear weapons. The agreement sets out the reduction in nuclear testing and establishes mutual oversight between the two countries. It was signed during the Barack Obama administration and came into effect in 2011. The document expired on February 5, 2021. In the same year, Putin approved the law extending the new beginning until February 5, 2026.
However, in August 2022, Russia notified the US government that it was “temporarily withdrawing” from New START inspections. The Kremlin began banning U.S. inspections of its weapons.