How dangerous is Russia’s nuclear powered missile?

This week, Moscow's top general has claimed that Russia has tested a low-flying experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile. It is said to be powered by a nuclear reactor and is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead with a potentially unlimited range. Russia calls it Burevestnik, Nato have codenamed it ‘Skyfall’, and others have said it’s a ‘tiny flying Chernobyl’. Western experts have previously cast doubt over missile's strategic value and Russian claims of having successfully tested it. But how dangerous is it? Victoria is joined by the BBC’s Ben Tavener and Catriona Perry in Moscow and Washington respectively, plus Dr Justin Bronk who is a senior research fellow for Airpower and Technology at the military think tank RUSI. Plus, after Trump shifts his positions on sanctions, we look to the future to ask how the US president could potentially put more economic pressure on Russia. Today’s episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire. The producers were Julia Webster and Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Dave O’Neill. The series producer is Chris Flynn. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480 You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

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How dangerous is Russia’s nuclear powered missile? is an episode from Ukrainecast by BBC.

This episode is 29:44 long.

This episode was published on Oct 28, 2025.

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