The Russian army’s movements of nuclear-capable assets appear to send a “signal” to the West amid its losses in Ukraine; analysts added this week.
The Pentagon stated last week it had not seen any changes in Russia’s movements of its nuclear forces that would cause the United States to adjust its own nuclear posture.
NATO relayed intelligence to allied commands on the recent movements of Russia’s special mission Belgorod submarine, as per reports.
The Belgorod, which the world’s longest submarine was launched in July, has been modified to carry the new nuclear powered, nuclear-armed drone called Poseidon.
Western intelligence believes that the Belgorod is in the waters near the Arctic for a “series of secret tests”. The following information has been revealed through several reports. “It is feared to be on a mission to test the Poseidon super-torpedo for the first time.”
Meanwhile, several local media reports of Britain, while mentioning anonymous sources, that the Poseidon test could take place in the Black Sea closer to NATO member states.
Elsewhere on Sunday, pro-Russian military bloggers spotted a trainload of military equipment that analysts said belonged to a secretive nuclear unit.
Poland-based defence analyst Konrad Muzyka said the convoy belongs to a Russian Defense Ministry directorate responsible for “nuclear munitions, their storage, maintenance, transport and issuance to units.”
Muzyka stressed that the Rybar Telegram channel’s video, which it said showed mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles fitted with turrets, does not appear to show preparations for a “nuclear release.”
“It could be a form of signalling to the West that Moscow is escalating” or preparing for strategic deterrence exercises, he speculated on Twitter.
President Vladimir Putin made thinly veiled threats to use nuclear arms in a series of speeches announcing “partial” mobilization and annexing four Ukrainian regions in recent weeks. U.S. officials said they had sent private warnings to Russia to steer clear of nuclear war.