Russia has tested a new nuclear-powered cruise missile with unlimited range, the country’s top general said.
The nuclear-capable missile traveled 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) and was in the air for about 15 hours during Tuesday’s test, Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian armed forces, told the president. Vladimir Putin on Sunday.
The Russian leader, whose large scale invasion of Ukraine continues more than three years after its launch, described the 9M730 Burevestnik (Storm Petrel) as “invincible” to current and future missile defenses, with a nearly unlimited range and unpredictable flight trajectory.
Dressed in a camouflage uniform, in remarks released by the Kremlin, Putin said: “It is a unique item that no one else in the world has.”
He said “crucial testing” of the weapon had been completed and work should begin on the final stages before its deployment.
The missile is named SSC-X-9 Skyfall. NATO.
On Wednesday, Putin oversaw a test of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces on land, sea and air.
“The so-called modernity of our nuclear deterrent forces is at the highest level,” said the Russian president.
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Deadly drone attacks in Kyiv
Three people were killed in an overnight Russian drone strike on the Ukrainian capital kyiv, which also injured 31, including six children.
Fires set by Russian drones broke out in two residential buildings in the Desnianskyi district, and emergency crews evacuated civilians from a nine-story building and a 16-story building.
An apartment building damaged during a nighttime Russian drone strike in Kyiv. Photo: Reuters
Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said a woman, 19, and her mother, 46, were among the dead.
Seven of the injured, including two children, were taken to city hospitals, kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on the Telegram messaging app.
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According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia attacked Ukraine with 101 drones overnight on Sunday, of which 90 were shot down and neutralized by Ukrainian forces.
kyiv and the surrounding region were under air raid warnings for between 60 and 90 minutes before the air force canceled them.
Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians, but thousands of people have been killed in the war since it began in February 2022.