Putin test fires nuclear-capable missile amid dispute over NATO phone call

Key Points:

• Russia test-launched a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from its nuclear-powered submarine Generalissimo Suvorov in the Sea of Okhotsk, targeting the Chizha testing range in the White Sea region near NATO countries Norway and Finland.
• The Bulava missile, with a range exceeding 5,000 miles, is central to Russia's nuclear deterrence strategy, deployed on Borei-class submarines that can each carry up to 16 such missiles.
• The missile test followed a rare phone call initiated by Finnish and Norwegian leaders with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the Ukraine conflict, upcoming trilateral talks, and European security concerns.
• The call revealed political divisions within Europe, with some Nordic and European leaders expressing skepticism and caution about direct engagement with Putin, emphasizing the need for a united European stance.
• Ukraine was reportedly briefed on the call, with President Zelensky expressing gratitude for the update, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts amid tensions over the war and European security dynamics.