Last week, an experimental missile launched by Russia raised significant concerns during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It highlighted an issue that few are willing to address: a potential new nuclear arms race. This “nuclear” concern is critical both on the battlefield and in any future diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
The recent desertion of a Russian officer is particularly noteworthy because it provides crucial insights for Ukraine and its allies. This is especially true given that he wasn’t just any officer and because Russia has recently changed its nuclear doctrine.
A nuclear alert. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, the former high-ranking Russian officer, who worked at a nuclear base at the start of the invasion of Ukraine, shared vital information. For obvious reasons, the outlet hasn’t disclosed his identity, including his name and image, but refers to him as “Anton” instead.
In the interview, he revealed key details about the operations and secrets of the base, which reportedly houses weapons capable of completely altering the course of the conflict. He told the BBC that on Feb. 24, 2022, the day Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, his nuclear base was placed on full combat alert. He also said he was involved in that activation.
Ready for launch. According to Anton, the nuclear weapons at the base were prepared for use. He said, “On the day the war started, the weapons were fully in place. We were ready to launch the forces into the sea and air and, in theory, carry out a nuclear strike.”
Although the state of alert was canceled after three weeks, Anton points out that the Russian nuclear arsenal is fully operational, undergoing constant maintenance, and prepared for any scenario. His testimony contrasts with the views of some Western experts who have questioned the functionality of Russia’s nuclear weapons. These reports suggest that a significant portion of the arsenal is outdated, dating back to the Soviet era.
Day-to-day life at a nuclear base. According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia possesses an estimated 4,380 operational nuclear warheads. However, only 1,700 of these are “deployed” or ready for immediate use.
The base where Anton served was a highly controlled environment, reserved exclusively for professional soldiers who were selected through rigorous screening processes that included regular lie-detector tests. Under this strict regime, officers and soldiers were responsible for protecting and ensuring the operability of nuclear weapons.
Anton describes life on the base as “a closed society,” where any interaction with the outside world, such as visits from family members, required approval from the Federal Security Service three months in advance. Additionally, bringing phones and other electronic devices onto the base was prohibited, and the movements of soldiers were constantly monitored.
Orders that crossed the line. Anton also revealed that shortly after the conflict began, he was instructed to teach his subordinates justifications for the destruction of Ukrainian civilians, labeling them as combatants.
To Anton, these orders were clearly criminal. His refusal to comply resulted in his transfer to a regular assault brigade. This unit is known for sending “troublemakers” to the front lines as “cannon fodder.”
Desert or fight. When asked why he decided to leave the Russian military, Anton cited the imminent risk of being sent to the front. To escape, he received assistance from the anti-war charity Idite Lesom (known as “Get Lost” in English), which supports Russian servicemen who refuse to participate in the war.
Anton managed to flee the country but now lives in hiding to avoid being tracked by Russian security services, which are actively searching for him. To protect his former colleagues, he’s severed all communication with them. He says any contact could endanger them due to the surveillance and lie-detector tests they undergo.
Increasing deserters and associated risks. According to Idite Lesom, about 350 Russian soldiers seek help to desert each month despite the escalating risks. They face severe reprisals, such as extrajudicial killings and forced deportations to stand trial in Russia.
According to Anton, many members of the Russian military oppose the war. However, the country’s extremely repressive military system suppresses any dissent. Despite the personal risks involved, he aims to highlight the internal opposition within the Russian armed forces and warn others about the repressive dynamic supporting the Kremlin’s war efforts.
Image | Oo Jiflip
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