The zone is closed: Russia is preparing to test the Burevestnik missile on Novaya Zemlya

In the coming days, Russia may test the Burevestnik intercontinental cruise missile with a nuclear power plant on Novaya Zemlya. This is reported by The Insider❶❷ with reference to The Barents Observer❷.

It is noted that this is indicated by the closure of airspace in the area and regular flights of cargo ships to Novaya Zemlya in the last few weeks. Restrictions on flights in the area of 40 thousand square kilometers along the western coast of the archipelago are in effect from August 7 to 12.

In addition, there are now two Rosatom aircraft at the Rogachevo airbase in the archipelago, which used to serve similar tests, and at least four vessels that stay at observation points off the coast of Novaya Zemlya. At the beginning of the week, they were anchored near the Pankovo test site, after which they went to different points along the coast for "observation and support."

According to The Barents Observer❷, at least four vessels have been transporting cargo to Novaya Zemlya since the beginning of July — the cargo ship RZK Constant, fishing vessels Tavr, Bukhov and Petrogradsky.

In addition, an American military aircraft WC-135R Constant Phoenix, which is also called a "nuclear detector" or "nuclear analyzer", was spotted over the Barents Sea. This is a special board that collects atmospheric samples to track the concentration of nuclear particles in the air, which may indirectly indicate the tests carried out.

As reported by EADaily, Russia may be preparing to test the Burevestnik nuclear-powered missile again, which was nicknamed the "flying Chernobyl" in the United States. Several Western military experts drew attention to this.

The upcoming tests of the Burevestnik missile, the creation of which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018, is evidenced by the intensification of work at the Pankovo test site in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, noted nuclear weapons expert of the analytical company CNA Decker Evelet.

❶An organization performing the functions of a foreign agent

❷An organization whose activities are considered undesirable on the territory of the Russian Federation