Putin Must Stop Developing his ‘Doomsday’ Cruise Missile

A number of Russians engaged in an experiment involving a nuclear-powered jet engine died last week and radioactivity was released in northwestern Russia.

Some believe the failed test involved a “doomsday” nuclear-armed cruise missile theoretically of unlimited range due to what the Russians call its “atomic battery.” It is only capable of flying indefinitely, of course, if that power plant actually works.

But, this incident appears to be just the latest in a series of failed tests of this weapon system, which NATO calls the “Skyfall,” with accompanying releases of radioactive material.

The trouble, of course, is not simply Vladimir Putin’s evident disregard for the safety of these missiles and the environmental hazards posed by their further development. It is his determination recklessly to pursue ever-more dangerous weapons of mass destruction with which to threaten, and perhaps annihilate, us.