Anton claims that the nuclear weapons site where he was serving was placed on full combat alert on the day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
We had just exercises prior to that. However, the weapons were completely operational on the day the war began, according to the former Russian nuclear forces officer. “Theoretically, we were prepared to execute a nuclear strike and send the forces into the air and sea.”
Anton and I met at a covert place outside of Russia. The BBC would not say where for his own safety. In addition, we no longer reveal his face and have altered his name.
At a Russian top-secret nuclear weapons plant, Anton worked as an officer.
