Decoding Putin’s Nuclear Weapons Claims: Real Threat or Posturing?

Fri Oct 31 2025 20:02:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of recent announcements about advanced nuclear weapons, President Putin's statements raise questions on their actual effectiveness and the geopolitical implications amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin recently unveiled Russia's testing of new nuclear weapons, including the Poseidon underwater drone and Burevestnik missile. While he claims these weapons are unmatched and revolutionary, experts debate their military viability and suggest these announcements may serve more as a strategic maneuver in the complex landscape of global politics, particularly as Russia faces challenges in Ukraine.

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 asserted the Poseidon could achieve speeds of up to 200km/h (120mph) and navigate in a constantly changing route, making interception virtually impossible.

Putin's claims came on the heels of a test of its unlimited-range Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile. He hailed it as a unique product, unmatched in the world, even admitting its classification remains uncertain.

The pattern of Russia flaunting new weaponry is not unusual, prompting questions about the actual military value behind such ambitious claims.

Mark Galeotti, a respected Russia analyst, commented on the nature of these weapons, dubbing them Armageddon weapons, too powerful to use unless prepared to end the world. He further noted that both Poseidon and Burevestnik serve as second-strike weapons, making any preemptive strikes from other nations unlikely.

Concerns linger about the viability of these new systems. Previous incidents, such as the 2019 explosion that killed five Russian engineers possibly linked to the Burevestnik, and growing evidence of technical challenges with nuclear propulsion cited by think tanks, cloud their actual effectiveness.

What is particularly intriguing is the timing of these announcements amidst diplomatic tensions involving the United States and Ukraine. Following the cancellation of a proposed peace summit, it appears Putin may be attempting to draw attention by showcasing Russia's military prowess, signaling its strength against a backdrop of stalled negotiations.

Analysts note that such displays of force might indicate a response to the perceived weakness of Russian conventional forces in Ukraine, where progress has been sparse and costly.

Overall, while Russia continues to assert its might through nuclear advancements, the expert consensus indicates a worrying blend of bravado and potential obsolescence in their military strategies.