Trump Criticizes Putin Following Russian Missile Test, Calls for End to Ukraine War

Former President Donald Trump today publicly rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin following reports of a successful test of Russia’s Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, urging Putin to focus on ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The criticism came after Russia announced the successful testing of the Burevestnik missile, a weapon system that has been under development for years and has raised concerns among Western powers due to its potential to evade conventional defense systems. Trump stated that the missile test was “inappropriate” given the current geopolitical climate and called on Putin to prioritize de-escalation. “He should end the war, not be testing missiles,” Trump said, according to sources familiar with his statement.

Trump further emphasized U.S. military capabilities, noting that the United States possesses “the greatest nuclear submarine in the world, right off their shores.” This statement appears to be a direct message to Russia regarding the consequences of further escalation. The Burevestnik missile, also known as the Skybreaker, is a nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile – a weapon that many experts believe violates the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, though the U.S. withdrew from that treaty in 2019. The Arms Control Association provides further details on the missile’s development and capabilities.

The timing of the missile test and Trump’s response occur as the war in Ukraine continues with no immediate end in sight, and as concerns grow about the potential for wider conflict. Officials indicated that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to assess the implications of Russia’s actions, while the former president is expected to continue voicing his opinions on the matter. The State Department continues to provide updates on the situation in Ukraine.