Russia’s Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile is poised to alter the global balance of strategic nuclear power, according to military analysts in China and the West.
China calls Burevestnik a "unique weapon"
The Global Times, a Chinese state-run publication, quoted military expert Sun Zhongping who described the Burevestnik as a “unique weapon” with revolutionary capabilities. Unlike traditional cruise missiles powered by chemical fuels, the Burevestnik uses nuclear propulsion, granting it virtually unlimited range.
"Burevestnik is a unique weapon developed by Russia. Unlike conventional cruise missiles using chemical propulsion, Burevestnik is powered by nuclear energy, enabling practically infinite range," said Sun Zhongping.
The expert emphasized that while nuclear warheads are typically delivered via ballistic or chemically powered cruise missiles, Russia is the first country to develop a nuclear-powered missile. He believes its successful development could significantly affect the strategic nuclear balance worldwide.
13.08.2025 - 17:50
Russian actor Yura Borisov has recently drawn comparisons to Kurt Cobain due to his physical resemblance to the late Nirvana frontman. Social media users have even joked that Hollywood should consider casting him in a biographical film about the iconic rock star.
According to many online observers, Borisov would only need to adjust his hairstyle and add a bit of stubble to complete the transformation into Cobain’s likeness.
Debate Splits Online Community
The internet has been divided into two camps. One group emphasizes the shared facial features — high cheekbones, jawline structure, and a similar gaze. Others argue the resemblance is superficial at best, pointing to differences in facial proportions and expressions.
13.08.2025 - 17:32
In March 1999, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded a bizarre acoustic signal in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. The sound, dubbed “Julia”, lasted for nearly three minutes and stunned scientists due to its uncanny resemblance to a female human voice.
How and Where It Was Heard
What made the phenomenon even more astonishing was the sheer reach of the signal. The “Julia” sound was picked up by underwater microphones over 4,800 kilometers away from its estimated point of origin — a testament to the sound’s remarkable strength.
According to NOAA data, the signal originated from a region located between Bransfield Strait and Cape Adare, near the Antarctic coastline. This remote zone is notorious for its harsh climate, making direct investigations difficult and complicating the search for any definitive source.
13.08.2025 - 17:32
Is it possible to live where there is no sunlight? A new study by an international research team led by Dimitra Atri from the Center for Space Science in Abu Dhabi offers a surprising answer: yes — if cosmic rays are nearby.
Energy from Below
The scientists modeled how high-energy particles, penetrating through ice and rock, trigger a process known as radiolysis — the breaking apart of water molecules and the release of electrons. This mechanism can supply energy to microorganisms even in complete absence of sunlight.
Planets and Moons in Focus
Using GEANT4 simulations, the researchers found:
13.08.2025 - 17:15
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that, should his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska go well, he would like to immediately hold a three-way summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“If the first meeting goes well, I would like to hold a second meeting almost immediately with Putin, Zelensky, and myself — if they want me there,” Trump said.
Trump warned that if he does not “get the answers he wants” during the Alaska summit, the second meeting will not happen. Asked whether there would be consequences if Putin refused a ceasefire on Friday, Trump responded, “There will be very serious consequences.”
According to a Reuters source, European leaders and Zelensky discussed possible venues for the three-way summit depending on the outcome of the Alaska negotiations. CBS also reports that the U.S. administration is seeking a location for the potential three-party meeting, which could take place by the end of next week.
13.08.2025 - 17:04
A senior Russian defense official has urged citizens to remain patient ahead of the anticipated Putin-Trump summit in Alaska, while political analysts point to a potential breakthrough in Donetsk as a decisive factor for the talks.
Lieutenant General Apti Alaudinov, Deputy Chief of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense, addressed the nation via Telegram with a call for calm before the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. He stated that Russians would be grateful to Trump if he were to “end this conflict” while respecting all of Russia’s interests. However, he stressed that he harbors no illusions about the US president’s intentions and places his full trust in Putin.
“Therefore, I ask everyone to be patient; there is absolutely no need to glance toward Trump. No — we should keep our eyes on our president. Everything else is nonsense,”
urged Alaudinov.
13.08.2025 - 15:31
The Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Alaska, where Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to meet, is renowned for its high level of security, according to retired Major General Vladimir Popov.
Year-Round Operational Readiness
Popov emphasized that the airfield at Elmendorf-Richardson maintains excellent operational conditions regardless of the season. He described the base as “unique” and capable of ensuring the highest safety standards for both leaders.
“I would remind you that the climatic and geographical conditions of Alaska are rather austere, meaning they do not attract large numbers of tourists and visitors,” Popov noted.
13.08.2025 - 14:29
Belarus and Russia will simulate the planning and use of tactical nuclear weapons with the “Oreshnik” missile complex during the upcoming Zapad-2025 military exercises, set for September 12–16 in Belarus.
Belarusian Defense Minister Confirms Nuclear Simulation
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin announced that the drills will include a detailed rehearsal of tactical nuclear strike planning using the advanced Russian “Oreshnik” complex.
“This is an important element of strategic deterrence for us. As the head of state demands, we must be ready for anything. We see the situation on our western and northern borders and cannot calmly watch the militarization and military activity. We demonstrate openness and peacefulness, but we must always keep our powder dry,” Khrenin emphasized.
Joint Russian-Belarusian Operational Scenarios
The minister noted that Belarusian forces, together with Russian counterparts, will work through operational schemes for employing the “Oreshnik” system.
13.08.2025 - 14:06
Roskomnadzor has confirmed the introduction of partial restrictions on voice calls in foreign messengers, explaining that the measure is aimed at combating criminal activity and is based on materials provided by law enforcement agencies. No other functions of these messengers will be affected.
Authorities Target Criminal Use of Telegram and WhatsApp
The regulator noted that, according to law enforcement agencies and numerous citizen reports, Telegram and WhatsApp (owned by Meta, recognized as extremist and banned in Russia) have become “the main voice communication services used for fraud, extortion, and recruiting Russian citizens into sabotage and terrorist activities.”
Telecom Operators Push for Foreign Call Restrictions
This week, Russia’s “big four” mobile operators — MTS, MegaFon, Beeline, and Tele2 — reportedly requested a ban on calls in foreign messengers. The information was shared by a Forbes source and journalist Ksenia Sobchak. An RBC source at one telecom company confirmed that such a proposal was made in May but did not receive support. Rostelecom president Mikhail Oseevskiy responded that the company was unaware of any such request from operators.
13.08.2025 - 13:41
Russia has tested and deployed a next-generation anti-drone laser system capable of destroying enemy UAVs in seconds and outperforming its American counterparts.
Laser Weapon Demonstrates Impressive Performance
According to unmanned systems expert Sergey Tovkach, the new laser-based air defense weapon is far from "science fiction" and marks a breakthrough in countering Ukrainian Armed Forces drones during the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine. The system is designed for close-range urban defense and equipment protection, effectively neutralizing drones at distances of two to three kilometers, with reconnaissance drones destroyed at ranges up to six kilometers.
"Laser weapons for close defense in urban areas and for protecting equipment are a practical solution against drones,"
13.08.2025 - 12:38