MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Russia has successfully tested a new nuclear-powered underwater drone, named Poseidon, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Putin emphasized that the drone is unmatched in speed and depth, making it virtually impossible to intercept. This development comes just days after Russia tested a nuclear-powered cruise missile, signaling Moscow’s continued focus on advancing its strategic weapons capabilities. Putin described the Poseidon test as a “huge success,” revealing that the drone’s nuclear reactor is significantly smaller than those used in submarines but boasts a more powerful warhead than the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. The Poseidon drone, first introduced in Putin’s 2018 state-of-the-nation address, is designed to explode near coastlines, potentially unleashing a radioactive tsunami. Putin’s announcement appears to be a strategic message to the United States, particularly amid escalating tensions over Ukraine. The Russian president has repeatedly highlighted Moscow’s nuclear readiness since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, asserting that Russia will use “all means” to protect its security interests. The test of the Burevestnik cruise missile, which covered 14,000 kilometers in a 15-hour flight, further underscores Russia’s advancements in nuclear technology. These developments come as U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed a planned summit with Putin and imposed new sanctions on Russia, intensifying the geopolitical standoff.