Trump Slams Russia’s Missile Test, Calls for End to Ukraine War and delivered a sharp rebuke to Moscow’s alleged test of a nuclear-powered cruise missile.
A climate of nuclear fire and a push for a fragile peace define the latest chapter in the ongoing geopolitical saga, as US President Donald Trump delivers a sharp rebuke to Moscow’s alleged test of a nuclear-powered cruise missile. The President’s comments, made aboard Air Force One, firmly reposition the focus back onto ending the grinding war in Ukraine and underscore the current strain in US-Russia relations, all while China maintains a complex role in securing a potential peace.
President Trump Slams ‘Inappropriate’ Missile Test
US President Donald Trump has strongly condemned Russia’s recent announcement of a successful final test of its Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile (NATO designation: SSC-X-9 Skyfall), labelling the action as “inappropriate” amidst the protracted conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the President urged his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to abandon such provocative military demonstrations and prioritise a diplomatic end to the war.
“I don’t think it’s an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying either,” President Trump stated. “By the way, he ought to get the war ended. A war that should have taken one week is now in its fourth year. That’s what he ought to do instead of testing missiles.”
The Burevestnik missile, which Russian officials claim to be a unique weapon with an almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path thanks to its nuclear-powered engine, has been viewed by Western analysts as a significant escalation in Moscow’s nuclear posturing.
President Putin had made the announcement in military fatigues over the weekend, claiming the missile had remained airborne for approximately 15 hours and covered about 14,000 kilometres.
President Trump, however, downplayed the strategic message, emphasising America’s superior nuclear deterrent.
“They know we have a nuclear submarine, the greatest in the world, right off their shores,” he noted. “It doesn’t have to go 8,000 miles. We’re not playing games with them, and they’re not playing games with us either. We test missiles all the time.”
The comments signal a new low in the recent weeks of US-Russia diplomatic contact, which has focused heavily on brokering a ceasefire in Ukraine.
China’s Role in Securing Ukraine Peace
Meanwhile, attention remains fixed on China’s role in securing peace in Ukraine, with Beijing walking a fine line between its “no-limits” partnership with Moscow and its desire to position itself as a global mediator.
While providing an economic lifeline to Russia through energy purchases and dual-use component exports, Chinese officials continue to publicly advocate for a negotiated settlement.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at a recent forum, reiterated Beijing’s “objective and just position,” stating that China “actively promotes peace talks, and stands ready to work with the international community to continue the efforts for peace.”
This diplomatic rhetoric is consistent with previous statements by President Xi Jinping, who in August said China would “continue to promote peace talks” no matter how the situation evolves.
However, Western diplomats and analysts have suggested that China’s strategic interest may also lie in a protracted conflict, which keeps US attention divided between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
This view is supported by reports of China increasing its provision of dual-use exports to Russia’s defence industrial base, a move seen as enabling Moscow to continue prosecuting the war despite mounting Western pressure for a swift end to hostilities. China’s efforts thus remain a complex blend of professed neutrality and crucial support for its key strategic partner.
Headline Points
• US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Russia’s alleged test of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, calling the action “inappropriate” and a distraction from ending the Ukraine war.
• President Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, stating that a conflict that should have ended in a week is now in its fourth year.
• The US President highlighted America’s nuclear deterrence, specifically mentioning a US nuclear submarine positioned off Russia’s shores, downplaying the significance of the Burevestnik test.
• Russia claims the Burevestnik missile is a unique weapon with an unlimited range, having successfully completed a final test that covered approximately 14,000 kilometres.
• China continues to officially pursue a role as a mediator, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirming the country’s commitment to promoting “peace talks” while maintaining an “objective and just position.”
• Western analysts remain sceptical of China’s pure neutrality, noting that Beijing’s economic and dual-use support for Russia’s war effort is a critical factor in the conflict’s continuation.
