Burevestnik Missile Tests Succeed as Kremlin Dismisses Putin-Trump Summit Over Ukraine Standoff

Moscow, October 26, 2025 — Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov has declared no basis exists for a new meeting between President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking to journalist Pavel Zarubin on the “Moscow. Kremlin. Putin” program on Rossiya-1 television, Peskov blamed Ukraine’s refusal to negotiate, backed by the European Union, for the diplomatic stalemate. “The Ukrainians don’t want a negotiation process. The Europeans, the European Union, are pushing them to this reluctance in every possible way. We see the EU literally spiraling into military hysteria. This is the reason for the pause,” Peskov stated. His remarks respond to Trump’s recent comments about meeting Putin if a deal to resolve the Ukraine conflict seems feasible.

Concurrently, President Putin has focused on military advancements. He visited a joint force group command post, meeting with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and force commanders. Putin announced that Russian troops had encircled Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region, seized a key crossing over the Oskol River, and trapped a Ukrainian Armed Forces group. Gerasimov also reported progress in Mirnograd and Pokrovsk, indicating intensified Russian operations.

A major highlight was the successful test of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered intercontinental cruise missile on October 21. Putin, speaking at the command post, emphasized its strategic value, noting its design for global target engagement and imminent entry into service. Gerasimov confirmed the missile traveled 14000 kilometers, showcasing its ability to bypass all current and future missile defense systems due to its unlimited range and unpredictable trajectory. The missile’s development, ongoing for years, marks a significant boost to Russia’s strategic arsenal.

Putin also addressed the Ukraine conflict’s timeline during a Defense Ministry meeting, stating Russia will not tie its special military operations to specific dates. This aligns with expert views that the conflict may persist beyond 2025, with resolution dependent on diplomatic willingness.

The Kremlin’s position blends military momentum with diplomatic restraint, as Russia advances on the battlefield while rejecting near-term talks with Western leaders. The Burevestnik’s successful tests underscore Moscow’s commitment to bolstering its strategic capabilities during heightened tensions.