By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In response to Russia’s recent Burevestnik missile test, former President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin should instead focus on ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered cruise missile, has raised skepticism among Western experts, with some comparing it to a Cold War-era system that the U.S. abandoned. While Trump acknowledged the U.S. also tests missiles, he emphasized the U.S.’s nuclear capabilities and suggested that a long-range missile was unnecessary. The former president also criticized the length of the war, which he claimed should have been resolved much sooner.
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Donald Trump’s initial reaction to Russia’s Burevestnik missile test seems to be one of, well, almost nonchalant dismissal. The Kremlin’s claims of the missile’s 8,000-mile range didn’t seem to faze him much. Instead, his focus, if you can gather from the available snippets, immediately shifted to what he believes is a more pressing concern: the ongoing war in Ukraine. This reaction seems to suggest a prioritization of immediate geopolitical issues over the technical details and potential implications of a new nuclear-capable weapon.
The general sentiment, at least as it appears in the responses, suggests that this reaction is perhaps a sound, albeit simplistic, one. Some commenters point out that in the grand scheme of nuclear arsenals, a slow, radiation-spewing cruise missile isn’t exactly the most terrifying threat. The United States, and other countries, already possess far more advanced and strategically relevant weapons systems. The Burevestnik, with its unconventional design and environmental hazards, is seen by some as more of a symbolic gesture than a genuine game-changer.
The nature of the missile itself is also brought up in multiple ways. The Burevestnik is basically a slow and easily detectable weapon. Some people find it hard to understand why Russia would focus on this type of technology rather than quicker, more difficult-to-intercept options like ballistic or hypersonic cruise missiles. The U.S. even abandoned a similar project in the 1950s due to the unacceptable levels of radioactive contamination it posed. This context further adds to the sense that the missile is a bizarre choice.
Many people think Russia is hoping to achieve a reaction of fear. The goal is to make people fear nuclear war, which would pressure governments to act in Russia’s favor.
The focus on the Ukraine war highlights what many see as a more immediate concern. The suggestion that Putin should be focused on ending the conflict in Ukraine implies that the Burevestnik test is a distraction from what some consider to be the main issue – the ongoing military actions. One might infer that Trump believes Putin should be concentrating on resolving the existing conflict rather than flaunting new, albeit questionable, military capabilities.
There’s also a recurring theme of skepticism regarding the weapon’s overall strategic value. The term “uniquely stupid weapons system” is used, reflecting a common view that the Burevestnik is more of a technological curiosity than a serious military threat. The suggestion that it’s an “engineering feat” rather than a credible weapon also aligns with this perspective, suggesting that the focus is on the technical demonstration rather than a practical addition to Russia’s military capabilities.
The reaction to the test also highlights the nature of how news is consumed today. Some commenters lament the clickbait-style headlines and the tendency to sensationalize such events. The reaction of people like Trump has essentially become content on its own.
There’s a good deal of cynicism present regarding Trump’s motivations and potential alliances. Some think Trump may be downplaying the importance of the missile test as a means of maintaining a friendly relationship with Putin. The speculation that Trump may reveal U.S. submarine locations is also a clear indication of a lack of trust in his decision-making.
The fact that the Burevestnik is slow and generates radiation is often brought up. The fear is of its being a leaky dirty bomb. There are also many jokes about Russia, and its economy.
Ultimately, Trump’s response seems to be a mix of dismissing the threat, criticizing Putin’s focus, and, possibly, playing the situation down to maintain a friendly face with his Russian counterpart. Whether this is a strategic move, a genuine belief, or simply a reflection of his priorities is subject to interpretation. However, the available information shows that Trump has essentially shrugged off the missile test, choosing to emphasize other geopolitical matters.