Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has successfully test-launched its new nuclear-powered 9M730 Burevestnik missile, known as “Skyfall” by NATO, claiming it has “unlimited range” and is nearly ready for deployment.

The missile, dubbed the “Flying Chernobyl” due to its nuclear engine, has faced skepticism and a troubled testing history with multiple failures since 2016.

Western experts have criticized the weapon as dangerous and impractical, with U.S. officials warning it poses more risk to Russia itself because of radioactive contamination, the U.S. Sun has reported.

Putin, however, hailed the recent 14,000km, 15-hour test flight as proof of its invincibility against any current missile defense system.