Russian deserter reveals war secrets of guarding nuclear base

On the day Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Anton mentioned that the nuclear weapons facility where he was stationed was placed on high alert for combat.

"Prior to that, we only conducted drills. However, when the war broke out, all the weapons were completely prepared," states a former officer from the Russian nuclear forces. "We were set to deploy our forces into the ocean and the sky, and in principle, execute a nuclear attack."

I met Anton in a discreet location outside of Russia. To ensure his safety, the BBC is keeping the details private. Additionally, we have altered his name and are not displaying his face.

Anton worked as an officer at a highly classified nuclear weapons site in Russia.

He has provided us with paperwork that verifies his unit, rank, and station.

The BBC cannot independently confirm all the incidents he mentioned, but they do align with the statements made by Russia at that time.

Just three days after armed forces crossed into Ukraine, Vladimir Putin declared that Russia's nuclear deterrent units had been placed on a “special mode of operational readiness.”

Anton reports that the readiness for combat was activated on the first day of the conflict and asserts that his unit was effectively confined within the base.

"We only had access to Russian state television," recounts the former officer. "I didn’t fully grasp what was happening. I simply did my job without question. We weren't engaged in the conflict; we were merely responsible for safeguarding the nuclear arsenal."

He mentions that the state of alert was lifted after a period of two to three weeks.

Anton’s account provides a glimpse into the classified operations of Russia’s nuclear forces. It’s quite uncommon for military personnel to share information with reporters.

"The selection process is highly rigorous. Every individual is a career soldier; there are no draftees," he clarifies.

"Regular assessments and polygraph tests are conducted for all personnel. The salaries are significantly elevated, and the soldiers are not deployed to combat zones. Their role is primarily to either defend against or execute a nuclear attack."

The ex-officer explains that life was kept under strict supervision.

He explains, "It was my duty to make sure that the soldiers I oversaw didn't bring any phones to the nuclear base."

"The community is quite insular, and everyone knows each other. If you wish for your parents to come for a visit, you have to file a request with the FSB Security Service at least three months ahead of time."

Anton served in the base's security team, a quick-response unit responsible for protecting the nuclear weapons.

"We regularly participated in training drills, and we were able to respond within just two minutes," he shares, a touch of pride in his voice.

According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia has approximately 4,380 nuclear warheads that are operational, although only 1,700 of them are considered "deployed" or prepared for immediate use. The total number of warheads held by all NATO member countries is similar.

There are worries about the possibility of Putin using what are known as “non-strategic” nuclear weapons, often referred to as tactical nuclear weapons. These are smaller missiles that typically result in less widespread radioactive contamination.

However, utilizing them would result in a perilous escalation of the conflict.

The Kremlin has been making every effort to push the limits of the West's patience.

Just last week, Putin approved alterations to the nuclear policy, which outlines the guidelines for Russia's use of nuclear weapons and the circumstances under which they can be deployed.

The current policy states that Russia is allowed to initiate military action if it faces a significant assault from traditional missiles launched by a non-nuclear country, provided that the attack involves the backing or assistance of a nuclear-armed nation.

Russian officials claim that the revised doctrine "essentially removes" the chance of their defeat in combat.

However, is Russia's nuclear capability completely operational?

Several Western analysts have proposed that the majority of its weaponry originates from the Soviet period and may not function properly.

The ex-nuclear forces officer dismissed that perspective as an overly simplistic take from so-called experts.

While certain regions may still have some outdated weaponry, the nation possesses a vast nuclear stockpile, with a significant number of warheads ready for deployment. This includes ongoing military patrols across land, sea, and air.

He stated that Russia's nuclear arsenal was completely functional and ready for combat. "The maintenance of these nuclear weapons is an ongoing process that continues without interruption, not even for a moment."

Not long after the large-scale conflict started, Anton mentioned that he received what he refers to as a "criminal order." This required him to conduct lectures with his soldiers, following very detailed written instructions.

“They claimed that Ukrainian civilians are fighters and should be eliminated!” he shouts. “That crosses a line for me – it’s a war crime. I made it clear that I won’t promote this kind of propaganda.”

Higher-ranking officials disciplined Anton by relocating him to a standard assault unit in a different area of the country. He received notice that he would be deployed to combat.

These units are frequently deployed as the initial force in combat, and several Russian defectors have informed the BBC that those who resist the war, referred to as “troublemakers,” are utilized as "cannon fodder."

The Russian embassy in London did not provide a reply to our inquiry for a statement.

Before being deployed to the front line, Anton signed a declaration indicating his unwillingness to participate in the war, which resulted in the initiation of a criminal investigation against him. He presented us with papers verifying his transfer to the assault brigade as well as information related to the criminal case.

He made the choice to escape the country with assistance from a group that supports individuals who have deserted.

"If I had escaped from the nuclear facility, the local FSB Security Service would have taken swift action, and I likely wouldn't have been able to exit the country," he stated.

However, he thinks that the system for high-level security clearance broke down because he was moved to a regular assault brigade.

Anton expressed his desire for everyone to understand that a significant number of Russian soldiers oppose the war.

The volunteer group that assists those who have deserted, known as “Idite Lesom,” has informed the BBC that the number of individuals seeking their support has increased to 350 each month.

The dangers for those trying to escape are increasing as well. At least one person who deserted has been killed after reaching another country, and there have been multiple instances of men being sent back to Russia against their will and faced with legal proceedings.

Even though Anton has moved away from Russia, he claims that the security agencies are still searching for him. He mentioned, “I’m careful about my safety here, I’m working under the radar and avoiding any official records.”

He mentions that he has ceased communication with his friends at the nuclear facility because it could put them at risk: “They have to undergo lie detector examinations, and any interaction with me might result in legal consequences.”

However, he fully understands the danger he faces by assisting other soldiers in their escape.

"I realize that the more I engage in that behavior, the greater the likelihood they might attempt to harm me."