Kremlin: Burevestnik missile tests won't affect Russia-US relations

The recent test of Russia’s Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile should not, in any way, harm relations between Moscow and Washington, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a press briefing on October 27.

“There is nothing here that could or should ‘strain’ relations between Moscow and Washington — especially since those relations are already at a minimal level,” TASS quotes Peskov as saying.

He noted that only “the first tentative steps” are being made toward overcoming the “previous stagnation” in bilateral relations.

Earlier, Russia’s General Staff reported to President Vladimir Putin that tests of the Burevestnik missile had been successfully completed. The weapon, equipped with a nuclear propulsion system, is said to have a high degree of autonomy and the ability to fly long distances at low altitudes, making it less vulnerable to air defence systems.

Putin recently said the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile has no analogues in the world. He said Moscow will work towards deploying it. Russian officials claim it remained airborne for about 15 hours and covered about 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles).

By Khagan Isayev