By Smartencyclopedia Newsdesk with Agencies

A former officer in Russia’s nuclear forces has revealed chilling details about the operational readiness of Russia’s nuclear arsenal and his resistance to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking from a secure location outside Russia, the officer—referred to as Anton to protect his identity—shared insights into his time guarding one of Russia’s nuclear weapons bases and his decision to desert after being ordered to propagate war crimes.

Nuclear Arsenal on High Alert

Anton disclosed that on the day Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, his nuclear base was placed on full combat alert, ready to deploy nuclear weapons by sea or air.

“We were ready to launch,” Anton stated, describing the heightened state of readiness as unlike anything he had experienced during his service. “It wasn’t an exercise; the weapons were fully in place.”

While this alert was reportedly canceled after two to three weeks, Anton’s account aligns with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement shortly after the invasion that nuclear deterrence forces were being placed in a “special mode of combat service.”

Anton dismissed speculation about the obsolescence of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, asserting the weapons remain operational and battle-ready. “Maintenance never stops for even a minute,” he emphasized, countering claims that much of Russia’s nuclear stockpile may be non-functional.

Life at the Nuclear Base

Serving at a top-secret facility, Anton described a highly controlled environment with strict protocols, regular lie-detector tests, and no unauthorized communication. “No phones were allowed on base,” he said, adding that even family visits required months of advance approval from the FSB security service.

Anton’s role was to oversee a rapid-reaction security force with a reaction time of just two minutes. Despite the isolation and high-pressure environment, he said the professionalism and discipline of the personnel were unmatched, as only career soldiers—not conscripts—were assigned to such sensitive positions.

Crossing a Red Line

Anton’s disillusionment began when he was ordered to deliver lectures to his troops justifying attacks on Ukrainian civilians, describing them as combatants.

“That was a red line for me—a war crime,” Anton declared, refusing to comply. His refusal led to his transfer to an assault brigade, where he faced the prospect of deployment to the frontlines.

Such units, Anton noted, are often used as “cannon fodder,” with dissenters and those deemed troublemakers sent into high-risk operations.

Before being deployed, Anton officially refused to participate in the war, triggering a criminal case against him. Seizing an opportunity, he fled Russia with the help of the deserter assistance group Idite Lesom (“Get Lost”), which aids soldiers seeking to escape.

Opposition Within the Ranks

Anton’s story underscores the resistance to the war among Russian service members. Idite Lesom reports assisting 350 deserters monthly, though the risks of fleeing are significant.

At least one deserter has been killed after escaping abroad, and others have been forcibly returned to Russia to face trial. Anton himself lives in constant fear of reprisal, avoiding official systems and limiting contact with former colleagues to protect them from retaliation.

“I know the risks,” Anton admitted, “but I want the world to know that many Russian soldiers oppose this war.”

A Growing Threat

As Russia’s nuclear doctrine continues to evolve, with recent updates authorizing launches in response to conventional missile attacks supported by nuclear-armed states, the stakes remain high. Western analysts and governments will undoubtedly take note of Anton’s claims about the readiness and discipline within Russia’s nuclear forces.

His testimony also highlights the moral and ethical challenges faced by those within the Russian military, revealing cracks in the Kremlin’s narrative of unity.

Anton’s brave decision to speak out could inspire more soldiers to question orders and seek an end to the conflict. However, it also leaves him a marked man, forced to live in secrecy and uncertainty, knowing the risks of his defiance.