Kremlin says Russia committed to ensuring its security amid nuclear-powered missile test

ISTANBUL

The Kremlin on Monday said that Russia is committed to ensuring its own security as it tested a nuclear-powered missile a day prior, after which US President Donald Trump said Moscow should rather focus on ending the Ukraine war.

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with top military officials that Moscow completed “decisive tests” for the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, during which Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said the missile flew for about 15 hours covering a distance of 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles).

The Russian president described the Burevestnik, whose development was first announced in 2018, as “unique” and possessing “unlimited range.”

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling to Japan earlier Monday, Trump downplayed the significance of the tests, saying the US has a nuclear submarine "right off their shores" that does not need to travel such distances.

“He (Putin) ought to get the war ended, a war that should have taken one week is now in its, soon, fourth year, that’s what he ought to do instead of testing missiles,” Trump added.

In a briefing with journalists, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted to a question on the US president’s remarks, saying this is Trump’s point of view and that it is “important.”

Arguing that the testing of the Burevestnik missile should not strain ties between Moscow and Washington, Peskov said that Russia is guided by its own interests despite being open to establishing dialogue with the US, which he said is at a minimal level.

“Russia is consistently working to ensure its own security. It is in line with this objective that the development of new weapons systems, including the system just mentioned, is taking place,” the spokesman added.

Peskov went on to highlight the topic as a “vital issue” amid a “militaristic mood” which he claimed is being seen “primarily among Europeans.”

“Against this backdrop, Russia must do everything possible to ensure its own security,” he expressed.

He also commented on a question concerning Russian presidential aide Kirill Dmitriev's visit to the US for talks with US officials, saying such "informal contacts" between the two countries are "important."

"This is a small step on a long, long road, but that's how it needs to be approached. It's necessary work, but it requires a lot of patience," he said.