Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that a NATO reconnaissance ship was on duty in the Barents Sea during the key test of the Burevestnik cruise missile on October 21. The head of state made this announcement at a meeting with military leaders on October 26.

The foreign vessel likely monitored the flight parameters but did not interfere with the successful completion of the test. The missile traveled 14 kilometers in 15 hours, completing all maneuvers under nuclear propulsion.

NATO and the Pentagon declined to comment on the ship. The trials were the final stage before the system's deployment to combat duty.