Trump Criticizes Putin’s Announcement of Nuclear-Powered Missile Test

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a successful test of a nuclear-powered cruise missile was “inappropriate,” urging Moscow to focus on ending the war in Ukraine instead of showcasing its military capabilities.

“Putin should end the war in Ukraine, not make news about missiles,” Trump told reporters, adding that the war “was supposed to last only one week, but it’s now approaching its fourth year.”

Putin had announced on Sunday that Russia had successfully tested the Burevestnik cruise missile, equipped with a nuclear propulsion system, describing the experiment as “the latest achievement in the development of Russia’s defensive capabilities.”

Earlier, Trump had said he would reschedule his meeting with Putin “if there is genuine hope for reaching an agreement on Ukraine,” signaling the possibility of renewed U.S.–Russia communications should progress be made toward a political resolution of the conflict.