Overview
- Vladimir Putin said the Poséidon underwent a successful trial, claiming the drone is powered by a nuclear reactor, cannot be intercepted, and briefly ran its onboard power unit.
- State-linked reports describe an autonomous system designed to carry a nuclear warhead, operate below 1,000 meters, and travel at 60–70 knots, with planned deployment from the submarine Belgorod.
- Independent confirmation of the test is lacking, and analysts caution the system may be far from operational and primarily serves strategic signaling.
- President Trump criticized Russia’s recent weapons announcements and ordered the United States to restart nuclear weapons testing for the first time in decades.
- Responding to U.S. reactions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said the Poséidon and Burevestnik activities were not nuclear tests, while experts warn the drone is described as capable of generating radioactive coastal devastation if ever used.