President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Russia has successfully tested its Poseidon nuclear-powered super torpedo, a weapon military analysts say has the potential to devastate coastal areas by generating massive radioactive ocean waves. This statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric and approach toward Russia, particularly amid ongoing tensions due to the conflict in Ukraine.
During a visit to a hospital in Moscow where he met with Russian soldiers wounded in the war, Putin revealed that the test occurred on Tuesday and marked a significant milestone for Russia’s military capabilities. He stated, “For the first time, we managed not only to launch it with a launch engine from a carrier submarine, but also to activate the nuclear power unit.” He claimed that the Poseidon is unmatched in its capabilities and asserted that it cannot be intercepted. It is reported to have a range of about 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles) and speeds up to 185 kilometers per hour.
This development, alongside the recent test of the Burevestnik cruise missile, underscores a broader message from Putin: Russia will not yield to Western pressures regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump, who has labeled Russia a “paper tiger” for its struggles in Ukraine, now faces a stark reminder of Russia’s military reach and the ongoing arms race between the U.S., Russia, and China.
The Poseidon, known in NATO circles as Kanyon, is a nuclear-capable hybrid of a torpedo and a drone, measuring 20 meters long, 1.8 meters in diameter, and weighing around 100 tons. Experts have voiced concerns that this weapon breaks traditional nuclear deterrence principles and could carry a two-megaton warhead, possibly powered by a liquid-metal-cooled reactor. In his remarks, Putin also claimed that the Poseidon’s power surpasses that of Russia’s most advanced Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, dubbed Satan II.
Since announcing the Poseidon and Burevestnik in 2018, Putin has framed these developments as countermeasures to what he perceives as U.S. provocations, including the unilateral withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and NATO’s eastward expansion. In light of the Burevestnik test, Trump emphasized the need for Putin to prioritize peace in Ukraine rather than advancing nuclear capabilities further.
The backdrop of these events highlights the shifting dynamics in international military strategy and emphasizes the urgency for diplomatic solutions. Despite the complexities, there remains a glimmer of hope that renewed commitment from global leaders can set the stage for future negotiations aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region. As international focus remains on the evolving military landscape, the resilience of diplomatic efforts showcases the potential for a collective approach to reinforce security amid ongoing tensions.
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