U.S.: Russia is preparing to test a nuclear torpedo

The United States has been monitoring Russian naval vessels that have been preparing for a possible test of a new nuclear-charged torpedo in recent weeks.

This was reported to CNN by a U.S. official on condition of anonymity.

According to the U.S., among the ships involved in preparing the nuclear test was the Belgorod cruise missile submarine, capable of launching unmanned underwater vehicles, in particular the Poseidon torpedo.

Over the past week, the U.S. has recorded Russian vessels leaving the Arctic Ocean test site and returning to port without testing. U.S. intelligence believes this may indicate technical difficulties on the part of the Russians.

"This can be seen as part of the overall picture and recent Russian military practice of sending poorly trained and under-equipped troops to Ukraine. Russia's military industry has fallen on hard times, and we also see that Western sanctions on high-tech military goods are having an effect and should be continued," according to a CNN source.

The U.S. believes that Russia may attempt to test the torpedo again, but notes that waters in the area will soon begin to be covered with ice, which will limit the time window for such an operation.

Author - Olena Madiak, 10/11/2022