AFTER CIA CHIEF VISIT, RUSSIA ANNOUNCES ‘FLYING CHERNOBYL’ MISSILE TEST
Russia has announced plans for another test of its controversial Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, shortly after CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unexpected visit to Moscow for talks with his Russian counterpart.
The Kremlin confirmed that Ratcliffe did not meet President Vladimir Putin.
The timing of the missile announcement is drawing international attention. Increased aerial activity has reportedly been detected in northern Russia, near facilities associated with testing the Burevestnik.
Known by NATO as “Skyfall,” the missile is designed to use a nuclear reactor for propulsion, giving it the potential for extremely long-range flight. Previous tests have raised serious concerns over safety and radioactive contamination.
The Burevestnik has even been dubbed “Flying Chernobyl” by critics because of concerns surrounding its nuclear propulsion technology.
Russia says it has made technological advances and is preparing to put the system through another test.
The big question: Is Moscow signalling a new era of nuclear weapons development….or sending a message to Washington immediately after the CIA chief’s surprise visit ?