Russia Reportedly Testing New Nuclear Missile As Capabilities Expand

Just because the Cold War ended in 1991 does not mean the Cold War truly ever ended. That might sound bizarre to hear, but the dissolution of the Soviet Union essentially did nothing to slow down Russia's commitment to nuclear weaponry. They have quietly been building an arsenal for years supported with huge financial backing. Now, they are taking more steps forward.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and a top General say they have tested a new nuclear-capable missile. This missile has been called a variety of names, the most concerning being "flying Chernobyl." Yes, that has been a name used for it. That is because the missile, already carrying a nuclear payload, would also be powered by nuclear energy. Essentially, if it were to crash in the wrong place, the results could be catastrophic. Even during a simple test.

National security analyst Harry Kazianis says the idea is not new, but it is still just as bad as it was in previous years.

"It is a very risky proposition...the U.S. looked at this year ago during the height of the Cold War...and obviously decided against it because it is a really, really bad idea," he says.

Russia claims the missile covered a total of 8,700 miles in the test last week, spending 15 hours in the air. More concerning, the Russian military added that is "not the limit."

While it is concerning to hear and read about, you also have to take it with a grain of salt. Russia has been known to spread misinformation constantly to bolster their status. While they are powerful, it is not far-fetched to say the results might have been exaggerated.

Because of that, we do not have the details. Russian-media will go how the Russian government wants them to. So, it all boils down to speculation. But remember the old saying "the devil is in the details."

"This is not something we should be worried about, but we should be concerned about it," says Kazianis. "The Russians are spending hundreds of billions of dollars over the next few decades modernizing their nuclear forces."

It does not mean Russia is ready for an all out, incontinental ballistic missile war, in fact they are probably pretty far removed from it. Especially considering they are still fighitng a grueling war in Ukraine which has taxed their military, both in man power and resources.

The testing might raise eyebrows, but really, it should not raise them high. It is a changing world of technology and military advancement. It is only common sense they would test new ideas. They are not alone, either.

"The Russians being a certified nuclear state, with thousands of nuclear weapons...more than the United States actually...will test different parts of their arsenal all the time," Kazianis says. "It is not uncommon for the United States to test our weapons as well."

In short, for those who do not have the patience. The test is something to keep an eye on, but it is not time to hit the panic button.

It is an advancing world, and countries have to be ready for anything. But it is a ball in which we need to keep a watchful eye.