With a deadline from the US President looming, severe sanctions against Russia are anticipated. Concerns grow about potential false flag operations and attacks targeting Russia’s assets. This situation is leading to heightened tensions and could mean direct conflict with NATO. Nuclear fears are intensifying in Europe, amplified by Russia’s accelerating testing of its advanced super missile. Russia is also preparing allied nations for potential war.
Diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire have been unsuccessful, and attempts to apply strategic pressure on Putin have failed, signaling his unwillingness to halt hostilities. Without a ceasefire, the relationship between the US and Europe could worsen, which might necessitate the use of Russia’s most formidable weapons for defense.
Putin has given the order to test a super cruise missile, indicating an escalation in military readiness. Russia is deploying a missile that is difficult to intercept, resulting in the reopening of the Novaya Zemlya testing site after 33 years, which has been a key location for significant nuclear tests.
The Burevestnik, Russia’s super cruise missile, is the world’s first intercontinental cruise missile powered by nuclear energy. The missile utilizes a nuclear reactor and can remain airborne for approximately 20 years. Its ability to change course and fly at low altitudes enhances its precision and invulnerability. It is designed to carry out nuclear strikes. NATO has given the missile the code name SSC-X-9 Skyfall.
The missile is also known as the “Flying Chernobyl”, representing a technological innovation by bringing nuclear power to missiles. The development of the missile has presented Russia with many challenges.
Belarus as a Potential Battlefield: Several tests of the missile were conducted until 2019. In one test, the missile flew approximately 36 kilometers in two minutes before crashing in the Barents Sea. An explosion during the recovery operation resulted in casualties of Russian scientists. Putin said in 2023 that the Burevestnik missile was ready for deployment in 2025.
Putin indicated its war readiness at the Valdai Summit, and the final test will be conducted. Belarus, a key ally of Russia, is also being prepared for potential conflict. Russian forces have arrived in Belarus for the Zapad 2025 military exercise, providing a pretext for military deployments along the Ukrainian border.
A potential battlefield is being prepared in Belarus. The Zapad 2025 exercise is taking place near the Ukrainian border. Deployments on the Ukrainian border are happening under this pretext. Belarus has increased its military vehicles and deployed new MLRS brigades. Drone operators from air assault units are stationed near the Ukrainian border. This situation suggests that Putin may initiate a front against NATO and Ukraine from Belarus if the need arises.
Russian Drones Near Romanian Border: The danger of a direct conflict with NATO is increasing as Russian explosive drones are being found in neighboring countries. On August 6, drones were found near the Romanian border. The drones targeted Odesa, Ukraine, near the Romanian border. Romanian radar tracked the drones, leading to the deployment of F-16 aircraft to patrol the border. While no drones landed in Romania, Russian drones had previously entered Lithuania.
Poland Increases Military Deployments Near Kaliningrad: NATO is also increasing its military deployments. Poland has increased the deployment of tanks near Russia’s Kaliningrad base. South Korean K2 Black Panther tanks have been positioned there. Kaliningrad is Russia’s nuclear force base. There are concerns Russia could launch attacks from Kaliningrad or Arctic bases. NATO is now focused on increasing its presence in the Arctic, with alliances between the US, Canada, and Finland. These nations have a deal with shipbuilding companies called the ICE Pact.
Future developments include the creation of ASC (Arctic Security Cutter) ships to challenge Russia in the Arctic. Russia currently has a strong presence in the Arctic with over 50 bases. It will take NATO time to match Russia’s presence. Therefore, NATO is focusing on deploying forces near the Russian border to put pressure on Russia.