Putin second nuclear weapons test
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia successfully carried out a second advanced nuclear-weapons test in just days, signalling defiance toward U.S. President Donald Trump and raising global alarms about nuclear escalation.
The test involved the underwater unmanned device named Poseidon a nuclear-powered torpedo-drone that Putin described as “uninterceptable,” capable of travelling at high speed and deep under water. He said the device had for the first time been powered by its nuclear reactor and launched from a submarine carrier.
This test follows a separate recent exercise in which Russia tested the Burevestnik nuclear powered cruise missile, which reportedly travelled some 14,000 km over about 15 hours and can evade existing air and missile-defence systems.
President Trump had publicly criticised the first missile test, urging Russia to end the war in Ukraine rather than escalate with new weapons. He said that the United States already had a nuclear submarine off Russia’s coast and did not need to travel thousands of miles for deterrence.
By going ahead with the second test so soon after the first, Putin appears to be sending a stern message to the U.S. and its allies that Russia refuses to back down, especially in light of Washington and its partners supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Moscow. Observers say the pace and scope of the testing indicate Moscow prioritises strengthening its strategic deterrent and signalling global military relevance.
The developments have revived fears of a new arms-race dimension, particularly around nuclear-powered weapons that combine propulsion and warhead capabilities in novel forms. Analysts caution that while some systems are unproven, their mere testing and public disclosure amplify geopolitical risk and complicate arms-control efforts. The tests also raise concerns about regional stability, crisis escalation, and miscalculation.
As the situation evolves, global leaders and defence experts are watching for how the U.S. and NATO respond, whether through diplomatic pressure, renewed arms control talks, or missile-defence posture adjustments. The timing indicates Moscow’s strategy is to leverage public and military signalling to reinforce its bargaining position and strategic standing.
