Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Sunday that Russia has completed the final testing phase of its Burevestnik missile — a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile that Moscow claims can fly thousands of miles undetected and strike any target on Earth.

In a video released by the Kremlin during a meeting with top military officials, Putin hailed the weapon as a “unique creation” with “no equal in the world,” emphasizing its near-unlimited range made possible by a nuclear propulsion system. The declaration comes as Russia continues its offensive operations in Ukraine and ramps up its military rhetoric against the United States and NATO.

According to Russia’s Chief of the General Staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, the most recent test on October 21 saw the missile travel approximately 8,700 miles (14,000 kilometers) over a 15-hour flight — a feat Moscow claims is still below its full potential range. Gerasimov described the system as “guaranteed precise,” capable of evading air defenses and striking fortified targets anywhere on the planet.

Putin instructed the Defense Ministry to begin building infrastructure to deploy the Burevestnik, known to NATO as the SSC-X-9 “Skyfall,” into operational service. The announcement marks a symbolic milestone for the Kremlin, which has long promoted the missile as part of Russia’s next-generation nuclear deterrent.

However, the Burevestnik’s development has been marred by repeated delays and deadly setbacks. A failed 2019 test caused an explosion and radiation leak that killed five Russian scientists and drew international scrutiny over safety concerns. Western defense analysts remain skeptical of Moscow’s claims, citing the missile’s complex propulsion system and environmental risks.

Strategically, the announcement serves both military and political purposes. With Russian forces bogged down in a grinding war in Ukraine and Western sanctions tightening under President Trump’s renewed measures, Putin is seeking to project strength and technological superiority. Analysts say the display is intended to signal to Washington that Russia retains potent deterrence capabilities despite battlefield challenges.

In his remarks, Putin also issued a pointed warning, vowing a “very strong” retaliation should Russia come under attack from U.S. Tomahawk missiles — a direct reference to America’s conventional precision-strike arsenal often used in NATO operations.

While Moscow celebrates the Burevestnik as a technological triumph, Western officials view the move as yet another escalation in Russia’s nuclear brinkmanship. The missile’s design — low-flying, nuclear-propelled, and theoretically capable of remaining airborne for days — poses grave strategic and environmental risks if deployed.

As Russia parades its so-called “Skyfall” weapon, the world is reminded of the growing divide between technological ambition and global stability. For Washington and its allies, Putin’s announcement underscores the urgency of strengthening deterrence — not through fear, but through firm resolve and unity against aggression.