Putin Says Russia Tested Nuclear-Powered Poseidon Underwater Drone as Trump Orders U.S. Nuclear Tests

Overview

• Vladimir Putin said the Poseidon trial activated its nuclear propulsion after launch from a submarine and declared the system cannot be intercepted.
• President Donald Trump directed an immediate restart of U.S. nuclear weapons testing, noting other countries’ programs, with Reuters recalling the last U.S. test occurred in 1992.
• Russia days earlier touted a successful trial of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, presented as part of a broader strategic modernization effort.
• Russia has suspended participation in New START and Putin signed a law to exit a pact on reducing plutonium stockpiles, further weakening bilateral constraints.
• Analysts estimate Poseidon is roughly 20 meters long, weighs about 100 tons, may range up to 10,000 km at high speed, operate at great depth, and potentially carry a warhead of up to two megatons targeting coastal infrastructure and naval groups.