It’s 2025, and we find ourselves once again staring down the barrel of international instability. Ukraine’s intelligence agency has just announced that Russia is preparing to conduct a “combat training” launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). In plain English: Vladimir Putin is flexing his nuclear muscles again, and he’s aiming squarely at intimidating not just Ukraine, but NATO and the entire free world.
According to Kyiv’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, Russia intends to launch the RS-24 ICBM from its Yars complex near the village of Svobodny in the Sverdlovsk region. This particular missile, a three-stage solid-propellant rocket, carries a frighteningly impressive range of over 6,200 miles. The Kremlin may call this “combat training,” but make no mistake—this is Putin rattling the saber of nuclear brinkmanship once again.
Of course, we’ve seen this playbook before. Putin has repeatedly used military provocations, nuclear rhetoric, and missile tests as tools of intimidation. His goal is clear: weaken the resolve of Western nations and force Ukraine to capitulate to his demands. But thanks to the steadfastness of President Trump, Putin’s efforts to divide NATO and pressure Europe have consistently failed.
President Trump has responded decisively and is scheduled to speak directly with Putin and Ukraine’s Zelensky this week. On Truth Social, President Trump announced: “I will be speaking, by telephone, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Monday, at 10 a.m. The subjects of the call will be stopping the ‘bloodbath’ that is killing, on average, more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade.” Trump’s leadership is a stark contrast to the weak and feckless diplomacy of Joe Biden, whose tenure of appeasement only emboldened Moscow’s aggression and left our European allies vulnerable.
The broader question remains: why now? Russia is clearly feeling the pinch of President Trump’s renewed America First foreign policy. Our administration’s firm commitment to energy independence, domestic manufacturing, and border security has revitalized our nation and strengthened our position abroad. Putin’s latest provocation is likely a desperate attempt to reassert influence in a geopolitical arena where American strength is once again dominant.
Still, we must remain vigilant. The RS-24 launch is not simply a test of Russia’s missile capabilities; it is a test of American resolve. NATO must stand united against this transparent attempt at coercion. As President Trump wisely stated, “Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end. God bless us all.”
But let us be clear: the blame for this lingering instability rests squarely on the shoulders of Biden and his allies. Their weak-kneed policies, reckless abandonment of energy security, and appeasement of America’s adversaries created the conditions for conflict. The Trump administration now has the unenviable task of cleaning up the global mess left behind by failed liberal leadership.
Meanwhile, Zelensky rightly insists on maintaining strong pressure and sanctions on Russia, stating clearly: “Without tougher sanctions, without stronger pressure, Russia will not seek real diplomacy.” He’s correct. History has proven that tyrants respect strength, not weakness. The only language Putin understands is the language of resolve, something President Trump has consistently demonstrated.
As we await this missile test, Americans should take pride in knowing that we finally have leadership willing to confront threats head-on. Our administration’s commitment to ending foreign wars, securing the homeland, and revitalizing American industry is precisely the antidote needed to counteract Russia’s gamesmanship. Putin’s missile theatrics are a sign not of strength but of desperation—desperation born from the reality that America is back, strong, and unwilling to bend to tyrants.
Now is the time for America First principles to guide our response: strong diplomacy backed by overwhelming strength. Putin’s latest provocation must be met with unwavering American resolve. Our commitment to peace through strength is the only path forward.
