President Vladimir Putin visited a military hospital in Moscow on October 29, 2025, meeting Russian servicemen injured during the conflict in Ukraine. During the visit, Putin outlined developments on the frontline, including the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk, and highlighted advancements in Russia’s nuclear arsenal.

The president described the military situation as “favorable” for Russia, emphasizing active troop movements and the strategic positioning of Ukrainian forces in two key locations. Putin proposed a temporary pause in hostilities to allow Western and Ukrainian journalists to assess the conditions of encircled troops, though he acknowledged the risks of such an initiative.

Putin also revealed details about the Burevestnik cruise missile, a nuclear-powered weapon with unlimited range that recently completed a 14,000km test flight. He described its reactor as a breakthrough, capable of rapid activation and potential civilian applications in energy security and space exploration. Additionally, Putin confirmed the successful testing of the Poseidon underwater drone, a nuclear-capable system touted as unmatched globally in speed and depth.

The president reiterated that Russia’s Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, set to replace older ICBMs, would soon enter active service, asserting its superiority over all existing systems.