Russia has once again tested its controversial nuclear-powered underwater drone, President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday — marking the country’s second major weapons trial in just a few days.
Earlier in the week, Putin had personally overseen the launch of another advanced system — the Burevestnik cruise missile, which he described as having “unlimited range.” That test drew criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled the exercise “inappropriate.”
During a visit to a military hospital treating wounded soldiers, Putin revealed that Russia had carried out a new test of the “Poseidon,” an unmanned underwater drone equipped with a nuclear power source.
According to him, Poseidon is nearly impossible to intercept and can travel faster than traditional submarines while reaching targets across the globe. “No country can match its speed or depth,” Putin claimed, adding that it’s unlikely any similar technology will emerge soon.
Military sources quoted by Russian state media say the drone can operate at depths of over one kilometre and reach speeds up to 70 knots, remaining undetectable. First tested in 2018, Poseidon is reportedly capable of carrying a nuclear warhead of up to two megatons.
Following Sunday’s missile launch, President Trump urged Putin to shift focus toward ending the war in Ukraine, criticizing Moscow’s continued weapons testing. “He ought to get the war ended,” Trump said, expressing frustration over the conflict’s duration, now nearing its fourth year.
The U.S. recently cancelled a planned summit with Putin in Budapest, citing stalled peace talks and Russia’s refusal to compromise. Washington has also imposed new sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, accusing the Kremlin of failing to take meaningful steps toward ending the war.
Putin first unveiled both the Poseidon and Burevestnik systems back in 2018, calling them part of Russia’s new generation of strategic defense technology.
