According to some media reports, Russia is transporting equipment for its nuclear weapons program. As per the reports, a train operated by the program was seen in central Russia. Here’s the latest update on the conflict.
Are Russian nuclear weapons on the move?
Multiple media reports are claiming Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President may be trying to send a message to Ukraine and the West by conducting nuclear tests amidst the conflict with Ukraine. Footage of the convoy was shot at an undisclosed area in central Russia. A locomotive, linked to the military’s 12th main directorate was seen carrying upgraded armored personnel carriers. Additionally, it was accompanied by other equipment and heading to the front lines.
“This is actually a kit belonging to the 12th Main Directorate of the Russian MoD. The directorate is responsible for nuclear munitions, their storage, maintenance, transport, and issuance to units,” stated Konrad Muzyka to the Telegraph. Muzyka is a defense analyst who specializes in Ukraine. The threat of Russia using nuclear bombs has increased since its troops were forced to stand down. Putin has raised stakes by mobilizing reservists for the wae. However, the move is proving to be unpopular as several are fleeing Russia. The call is also fueling protests and violence further threatening to destabilize the nation.
NATO sends warning to its allies
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has previously warned its member states about the possibility of Putin deploying ‘Poseidon’. Poseidon is a nuclear weapon famously known as the “weapon of the Apocalypse”. Additionally, over the weekend, NATO issued a warning note leaked to Italian media. As per the note, the Russian nuclear forces’ doomsday weapon is on the way from its base in the Arctic to the Kara Sea. As per earlier data under the New STRAT arms reduction treaty between Russia and the USA, Russia is holding 5,977 nuclear warheads. On the other hand, the US has 5,428 warheads for its strategic forces.