Additional Coverage:
- Russian deserter who guarded nuclear weapons base says there were constant lie-detector tests (newsbreak.com)
A Russian deserter has revealed the atmosphere of paranoia and surveillance at a top-secret nuclear weapons facility.
The deserter, known as Anton, said everyone at the base was subjected to lie-detector tests. Anton’s duties included preventing subordinates from bringing phones onto the base.
Anton witnessed increased security measures after Russia invaded Ukraine. His unit was put on combat alert, and he was ordered to lecture troops on characterizing Ukrainian civilians as targets.
Anton refused to spread this propaganda, leading to his transfer to an assault brigade. He escaped Russia before being sent to fight.
Anton believes he is still being sought by security forces and has cut off contact with former colleagues to avoid incriminating them.