Washington: US president Donald Trump on Sunday sharply criticised Russia’s latest test of its nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable cruise missile, calling it “not appropriate” and urging President Vladimir Putin to focus instead on ending the war in Ukraine. The comments were made aboard Air Force One soon after the US President departed Malaysia, warning that the Russian leader should prioritise peace efforts over weapons development.
“He ought to get the war (in Ukraine) ended. A war that should have taken one week is now soon in its fourth year. That’s what he ought to do instead of testing missiles,” Trump said.
Listen to what Trump said here:
russia tested a nuclear cruise missile with unlimited range after numerous mishaps since 2016.
Trump hits back, saying putin should focus on ending wars, not missile testing.
They know we have a nuclear submarine—the best in the world—right off their coast. So it doesn’t have… pic.twitter.com/jNCbw1xWl8
— Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) October 27, 2025
His comments came shortly after Moscow confirmed the test of the Burevestnik cruise missile, which has drawn concern from Western countries for its advanced nuclear capabilities and potential to destabilise global security.
Trump’s remarks reflected growing frustration in Washington over Moscow’s continued military assertiveness and reluctance to end the Ukraine conflict. In August this year, Trump and Putin had met in Alaska in what the former described as a “successful” attempt to push for a peace deal. However, with little progress since then, Trump has now made it clear he will not meet the Russian leader again unless there is a “verifiable peace deal” in sight. “I’m going to have to know that we’re going to make a deal. I’m not going to be wasting my time,” he said.
“They know we have a nuclear submarine, the greatest in the world, right off their shores. We don’t need to go 8,000 miles..,” he added.
The US administration has recently imposed fresh sanctions on Russian energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil to increase pressure on Moscow. The measures are seen as part of Trump’s strategy to combine diplomacy with economic coercion in seeking an end to the prolonged conflict.
Russia’s Burevestnik test, however, has added a new layer of tension to already strained relations between the two countries. The missile, both nuclear-powered and capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, is part of Russia’s push to expand its strategic deterrent capabilities. Analysts believe the test signals Moscow’s intent to showcase its technological edge despite ongoing Western sanctions.
While the Kremlin has not yet responded to Trump’s latest comments, Moscow has continued to defend its weapons tests as necessary for national defence.
