russia Claims successful Test of nuclear-Powered Missile, raising Safety Concerns
Russia’s top general recently announced a test of the Burevestnik, a low-flying, experimental cruise missile powered by a nuclear reactor. The missile, known as ‘Skyfall‘ by NATO, is designed to carry a nuclear warhead and theoretically possesses unlimited range.
The claim has sparked renewed debate over the weapon’s viability and potential dangers, with some critics dubbing it a “tiny flying Chernobyl” due to the risks associated with a nuclear reactor in flight. Western experts have previously questioned both the missile’s strategic value and Russia’s assertions of successful testing.
The latest proclamation comes as the US considers potential increases in economic pressure on Russia following shifts in former President Trump’s stance on sanctions.
The BBC’s Ukrainecast podcast explores the implications of this development, featuring insights from BBC correspondents Ben Tavener in Moscow and Catriona Perry in Washington, alongside Dr. justin Bronk, a senior research fellow for Airpower and Technology at the RUSI military think tank.
Listeners can submit questions and comments to Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram at +44 330 1239480. The Ukrainecast discussion also continues on Newscast’s Discord server: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord. The episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire, and produced by Julia Webster, Rufus Gray, Dave O’Neill, Chris Flynn, and sam Bonham.
