Kathrine Frich
Analysts say the new infrastructure points to increased testing and weapons development
Analysts say the new infrastructure points to increased testing and weapons development
Deadly Accidents and Radioactive Leaks
Vladimir Putin is ramping up his nuclear weapons program with a major expansion at a remote missile testing site, one that has already been linked to deadly accidents and radioactive leaks. Satellite imagery reveals the chilling developments.
New Buildings at the Infamous Nenoska Site
The Nenoska base, located deep in northern Russia about 700 miles from Moscow, has seen the addition of three large, warehouse-sized buildings.
Construction began in 2023 in a forested zone near a known missile launch pad aimed at the White Sea.
Site of a Deadly Nuclear Missile Blast in 2019
Nenoska gained international attention in 2019 when a nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile, nicknamed Skyfall by NATO, exploded during testing.
The blast killed five nuclear experts from Russia’s state atomic energy agency, Rosatom, and released a radiation plume.
Toxic History: Radiation, Rocket Fails, and Civilian Casualties
The base has a deadly track record. In 2015, a cruise missile misfired and struck an apartment complex housing a kindergarten.
Experts say the Burevestnik’s tiny onboard reactor poses serious risks, especially if future tests go wrong.
Missile Storage and High-Security Hints at Escalation
Recent imagery shows airtight buildings and dozens of blue containers believed to be missile storage units.
Analysts say, according to Mirror, that the new infrastructure points to increased testing and weapons development, possibly for advanced cruise or hypersonic missiles like the Tsirkon and Oniks.
Putin Boasts of ‘Unlimited Range’ Nuclear Weapons
Despite past accidents, Putin has continued promoting Burevestnik as a “game-changing” missile with unlimited range.
Development appears ongoing, but Norwegian intelligence has warned of “local radioactive incidents” stemming from future launches.
Shoigu Warns NATO: Nuclear Response Is ‘Legitimate’
As tensions with the West escalate, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu warned that Russia would consider nuclear deployment if it perceives “unfriendly actions” from foreign powers.
He talked about the use of “symmetrical and asymmetrical” retaliation.