Vladimir Putin has reportedly twice attempted to test a nuclear weapon so it could be used against Ukraine. And his attempts may only have failed because they were sabotaged, an insider has claimed.
According to an article published online by The Mirror, some top officials at the Kremlin have been “sabotaging” his plans to use atomic weapons. Another line from Moscow is that there have been issues due to technical failures, it is claimed.
Valery Solovey, an expert on the president and former professor at Moscow’s prestigious Institute of International Relations - a training school for spies and diplomats - claims that tactical nuclear weapons must be tested before they are used, to make sure these weapons are fully operable.
In recent days, there has been a series of NOTAM messages (Notice to air missions) and Russian navigation warnings indicating tests or live firing drills have been conducted. So far, there have been few indications of any major testing.
There have also been claims that Putin ordered two nuclear missile tests earlier this month, but they did not take place. Prof Solovey, said: “[Putin’s] decision on the use of tactical nuclear weapons [in the Ukraine conflict] would no doubt face resistance.
“I don't know how effective the resistance will be but I will indicate [that] nuclear tests were supposed to be held over the past two weeks, one in the Barents sea, underwater, and the second underground, in Arkhangelsk region. Both times the tests were not held.”
He alleged: “The reason is that before the launch, or more accurately, before the use of tactical nuclear weapons, it is necessary to make sure these weapons are fully operable… they had to be tested.”
But both times the potentially dangerous operations were “disrupted”. He said: “The president got reports that there was an emergency situation, that it didn't work out" — implying technical failings. However, Putin has insisted that the tests be carried out claimed, Mr Solovey. He also claimed that the Kremlin leader had already made a decision in principle to use nuclear weapons.
“But the thing is, once is an accident, twice is a coincidence," he said. “If the third time tests end the same way, with nothing, [it will look like] sabotage." He suggested that not fulfilling the orders of the chief commander would indicate a "dissolution of [Putin’s] authority".
Earlier this month, it was reported that Nato had sent an intelligence note to member countries warning that Putin had deployed his K-329 Belgorod nuclear submarine, the carrier of the potential apocalyptic underwater drone, Poseidon. The Russian weapon is a giant nuclear-capable torpedo causing radioactive tsunamis capable of laying waste to enemy coastlines.
Dmitry Kiselyov, a Russian TV propagandist, recently told viewers that Russia should “plunge Britain into the depths of the sea” with its “underwater robotic drone Poseidon” causing a 1,640ft tsunami. However, there has been no indication of a test launch so far.
The General SVR television channel that puts out bulletins on YouTube and the online messaging service Telegram said on October 13 that the alleged nuclear missile tests ordered by Putin had been prepared “in strict secrecy”. It said the Kremlin leader “was informed about the need to postpone the date and time of the test. Allegedly there was insufficient time to properly prepare. This is the second time a nuclear test has been postponed in the past two weeks.”
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