O The Kremlin said this Monday that the recent test of the Burevéstnik long-range nuclear-powered cruise missile aims to “guarantee Russia’s security” in the face of what it describes as growing “European militarism”.
Presidential spokesman Dmitri Peskov assured, in a telephone press conference, that the test “should not cause any tension” between Moscow and Washington. “Ensuring Russia’s security is a vital issue, especially taking into account the militaristic climate that we now hear especially from Europeans”, he declared, quoted by the EFE agency.
According to Peskov, “Europeans find themselves in a state of hysteria, Russophobia and inner aggression”. Under these conditions, he said, “Russia must do everything in its power to protect itself.”
The Kremlin argues that the development of the Burevéstnik is part of a “coherent and defensive” strategy to modernize its arsenal, aimed at maintaining global strategic balance.
Relations with the US “are not at risk”
The spokesperson stressed that the test “does not compromise” the process of rapprochement between Moscow and Washington. “Despite hostile measures against us, Russia remains open to dialogue, always based on their own interests”, he stated, referring to the US sanctions still in force.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the president Donald Trump criticized the test, considering it “inappropriate”. “Putin should focus on ending the war in Ukraine, which has been going on for almost four years and should have ended in a week“, said the American leader. When asked about new sanctions against Moscow, he responded cryptically: “They will soon find out.”