Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified fears of a global conflict after overseeing a test of a nuclear-capable missile launched from a submarine, just weeks after warning Western nations about potential retaliation.
The test involved the Krasnoyarsk submarine firing Kalibr cruise missiles capable of traveling 700 miles. One missile successfully struck a submerged target in the Pacific Ocean, while another hit a location near the Kamchatka Peninsula. This show of force comes amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO allies, particularly as concerns grow over Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
The test follows provocative comments from Russian state TV, where a key Kremlin-aligned broadcaster warned that European nations like the UK, France, Germany, and the Baltic states could face catastrophic consequences. These remarks were in response to recent talks among 26 European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who gathered to explore joint defense efforts should Russia breach a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Russia’s warning suggested that any new troop deployments to Ukraine by Western countries would be viewed as direct involvement in the war, triggering possible retaliation. The statements underlined Moscow’s stance that continued Western support for Ukraine could lead to consequences far beyond the battlefield.
This isn’t the first time Russia has used missile tests or nuclear rhetoric to send messages to the West. In November 2024, Putin threatened direct strikes against UK targets after British and American long-range weapons were used in Ukraine. He announced that Russia had responded with a combined missile strike on a Ukrainian defense site and revealed that one of its newest ballistic missile systems had been tested in real-world conditions.
Putin stated at the time that Russia considered itself justified in targeting the military infrastructure of any country whose weapons are used against Russian forces, a policy that has significantly heightened tensions with NATO members.
The latest missile test is likely to worsen diplomatic relations and fuel fears that the conflict in Ukraine could expand beyond its borders. As Western leaders weigh further responses, the possibility of escalation remains a growing concern.