Russia Tests Bulava Missile After Nordic Leaders Call Putin Amid European Rift
Moscow test-fired a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from a submarine in the Sea of Okhotsk shortly after Finnish and Norwegian leaders spoke with Vladimir Putin. The call, aimed at discussing the Ukraine war and upcoming Abu Dhabi talks, exposed deep divisions within Europe, with Denmark and other allies criticizing the unilateral contact.
Key points
- Russia launched a Bulava ICBM from the Generalissimo Suvorov submarine in the Sea of Okhotsk, targeting the Chizha range in Arkhangelsk Region near NATO borders.
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre initiated a phone call with Putin to discuss the Ukraine war, planned three-way talks in Abu Dhabi, and European security.
- Putin accused the EU and NATO of prolonging the war through confrontational policies during the call, which Moscow said was requested by the Nordic leaders.
- Danish PM Mette Frederiksen expressed skepticism about the call, arguing Europe should maintain unity rather than acting solo, while Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson noted he was not informed in advance.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he was briefed by Stubb and Støre, affirming that Helsinki does not discuss Ukraine over Kyiv's head.
Background
This event follows recent Russian nuclear rhetoric, including Putin's October 2026 warnings about deploying all weapons if Kaliningrad is attacked, and coincides with heightened tensions over Ukraine. It also occurs shortly after France successfully tested its new M51.3 submarine missile in October 2026, highlighting a broader pattern of nuclear signaling among major powers amid the ongoing conflict.
Why it matters
The missile test and the diplomatic split highlight the fragility of European unity in dealing with Russia. Unilateral contacts by individual NATO members risk undermining a coordinated stance, potentially emboldening Moscow and complicating broader peace efforts, while the nuclear test serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat landscape in the region.
What to watch
Attention will turn to the planned three-way talks between Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv in Abu Dhabi next month to see if the Nordic outreach yields any tangible progress. European leaders will likely debate the protocol for future contacts with Russia to ensure a united front, while monitoring Russian military activities near NATO borders.
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