Are Russia's New Nuclear Weapons Just Rhetoric?

Fri Oct 31 2025 21:03:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Putin announces new nuclear weapons while the West reacts. Are these weapons a real threat or just a show?

Recently, President Vladimir Putin of Russia showcased new nuclear weapons, including the Poseidon underwater drone and Burevestnik cruise missile. Amidst ongoing tension with Western nations, these announcements raise questions about military potential and geopolitical strategy. Experts suggest these displays may be more about perception than actual capability, as ongoing challenges persist in Russia's conventional military performance. The international reaction, particularly from the US, indicates rising concerns over a possible arms race.

On Wednesday, over tea and cakes with veterans of the Ukraine war, President Vladimir Putin announced Russia had tested a new weapon.

There is nothing like this, the Russian leader said of the Poseidon - a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable underwater drone that can be fired like a torpedo and which a senior Russian MP said could put entire states out of operation.

When it was first unveiled in 2018, Russian media said the Poseidon would be able to achieve a speed of 200km/h (120mph) and travel in a constantly changing route that would make it impossible to intercept.

Putin's claim came only days after the announcement that Moscow had conducted a test of its unlimited-range Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile.

It's a unique product, unmatched in the world, Putin said of the Burevestnik, noting the missile was so new we are yet to identify what it is, what class of weapons [it] belongs to.

Despite the boisterous announcements, the military value of these weapons remains ambiguous. Experts suggest they are essentially doomsday devices, too powerful to be used without dire consequences. The Poseidon and the Burevestnik are deemed second-strike retaliatory weapons - a fact not even the most fervent Kremlin supporters claim is preparing for an attack.

Challenging the viability of these weapons is crucial; past tests have faced disastrous results, and there are ongoing issues within Russia's military capabilities.

The timing of these announcements appears to respond to cooling US-Russian diplomatic efforts. With tensions rising again, these new developments may influence international relations, particularly regarding the US's recent moves to resume nuclear tests.

As the conflict in Ukraine stretches on, analysts say these displays reflect a potential weakness in Russia's traditional military forces. Overall, Putin's unveiled nuclear weapons are part of a broader dialogue concerning power, politics, and international conflict.