A Russian defector has come forward with shocking revelations about Russia’s nuclear weapons readiness at the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Anton, an ex-officer in Russia’s nuclear forces, disclosed details about the heightened security measures and military preparedness of nuclear weapon facilities, offering a rare glimpse into the secretive world of Russia’s nuclear operations.
Key Revelations from Anton’s Testimony:
- Nuclear Readiness on War’s First Day: Anton explained that on the very day the invasion began, the nuclear weapons base where he served was placed on full combat readiness. “Before this, we only had exercises. But on the day the war started, the weapons were fully in place,” said Anton, referring to the immediate readiness of nuclear forces.
- Potential for Nuclear Strike: He emphasized that his unit was prepared to launch nuclear forces by sea and air, and in theory, to carry out a nuclear strike if necessary. The heightened state of alert was declared when Russian troops began moving into Ukraine, with the nuclear forces in his base effectively on standby for immediate action.
- Complete Secrecy and Security: Anton revealed that the base was highly secretive, with strict protocols in place to prevent any external access. He was part of a rapid response security unit tasked with safeguarding nuclear weapons, ensuring that soldiers under his command did not possess mobile phones while at the base. Visiting family members had to request permission from Russia’s FSB three months in advance.
- Control and Testing Measures: According to Anton, personnel at the base undergo constant surveillance and polygraph tests to ensure loyalty and security. He also noted that the pay for officers in such units was significantly higher than in other military branches, a reflection of the critical nature of their mission—either to deter threats or launch a nuclear strike.
- State-Controlled Information: Anton shared that during the war’s early days, his team had no access to external news and could only view state-run Russian television. “We didn’t know what was really happening; we were just following orders,” he recalled, explaining the isolated and highly controlled environment in which he served.
- De-escalation After Three Weeks: He reported that the combat readiness alert was lifted after two to three weeks, but he did not specify why the decision was made. His testimony provides rare insight into Russia’s internal military operations during the early stages of the invasion.
A Rare Insight into Russia’s Nuclear Forces
Anton’s disclosure sheds light on the operations of one of Russia’s most secretive military units. Military defectors like Anton are few and far between, making this testimony invaluable for understanding the inner workings of Russia’s nuclear preparedness during the war.
