A former officer in the Russian nuclear forces has shared rare and chilling insights into the operations of Russia’s nuclear weapons facilities, revealing his role guarding the country’s most secretive and powerful arsenal during the first days of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His testimony paints a stark picture of the tense atmosphere surrounding Russia’s nuclear forces during the initial stages of the conflict, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s largest nuclear arsenals.
Anton, who is now in hiding outside of Russia, spoke exclusively to the BBC on the condition of anonymity. His name and identity have been changed for his safety. He revealed that on the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the nuclear weapons base where he was stationed was immediately put on full combat alert. “Before that, we had only exercises. But on the day the war started, the weapons were fully in place,” Anton said. “We were ready to launch the forces into the sea and air and, in theory, carry out a nuclear strike.”
Three days into the invasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the country’s nuclear deterrence forces into what he termed a “special mode of combat service.” Anton claims this alert was implemented on day one and that his unit was effectively sealed within the base. “All we had was Russian state TV. I didn’t really know what it all meant. I automatically carried out my duties. We weren’t fighting in the war, we were just guarding the nuclear weapons,” Anton said.
Life at the base was tightly controlled. Anton described the stringent selection process for the soldiers stationed there. “There are constant checks and lie-detector tests for everyone. The pay is much higher, and the troops aren’t sent to war. They’re there to either repel, or carry out, a nuclear strike,” he explained. He was responsible for ensuring that no phones were brought onto the base and that the site remained completely closed off from the outside world. Visits from family members were allowed only after undergoing rigorous security checks and submitting requests months in advance.
The scale of Russia’s nuclear arsenal is immense, with an estimated 4,380 operational warheads, though only 1,700 are considered “deployed” or ready for use. Anton dismissed concerns about the effectiveness of these weapons, which some Western experts suggest may be outdated or unreliable. “The country has an enormous nuclear arsenal, including constant combat patrol on land, sea, and air,” he asserted, emphasizing that the maintenance of these weapons is a continuous process, ensuring their operational readiness at all times.
However, Anton’s time in the military turned grim when he was ordered to give lectures to his troops based on propaganda that labeled Ukrainian civilians as combatants who should be destroyed. “That’s a red line for me—it’s a war crime. I said I won’t spread this propaganda,” Anton recalled. His refusal led to a transfer to an assault brigade, where soldiers are often sent as “cannon fodder” in the early stages of battle. It was here that Anton made the decision to refuse further service, ultimately fleeing the country with the help of a volunteer organization dedicated to assisting deserters.
The organization, “Idite Lesom” (Go by the Forest), has seen a rise in the number of deserters seeking assistance, with at least 350 individuals reaching out every month. The risks to those fleeing are high, with at least one deserter killed during their attempt to escape and several others forcibly returned to Russia and prosecuted. Anton remains in hiding, aware of the constant danger he faces, not only from Russia’s security forces but also from the possibility of retaliation by Russian authorities against those who help deserters.
Though Anton no longer has direct contact with his former colleagues, he remains deeply concerned for their safety. “They must take lie-detector tests, and any contact with me could lead to a criminal case,” he said. Despite the risks to his own life, Anton is determined to continue aiding other soldiers in their attempts to escape, fully aware of the consequences. “I understand the more I do that, the higher the chances they could try and kill me,” he added.
