Kathrine Frich
Occasionally, the buzz is interrupted by coded voice messages in Russian.
Occasionally, the buzz is interrupted by coded voice messages in Russian.
The latest strange broadcast
On Monday, the Russian shortwave station UVB-76, also known as “The Buzzer,” transmitted another one of it’s rare cryptic message.
A male voice read out names and numbers such as “Nikolai, Zhenya, Tatiana, Ivan” and “38, 965, 78, 58, 88, 37.”
The initials formed code words like “NZhTI” and “OTEL.”
A station with a long history
UVB-76 has been active since the 1970s, transmitting a constant buzzing sound on 4625 kHz.
Occasionally, the buzz is interrupted by coded voice messages in Russian.
The exact purpose of the station has never been officially confirmed, but it is believed to serve military functions.
“The Doomsday Station”
In Western media, UVB-76 has often been called “The Doomsday Station.”
One theory links it to the Soviet-era “Dead Hand” system, an automatic nuclear retaliation mechanism designed to activate if communication with central command was lost.
Odd sounds through the years
The station has broadcast far more than codes.
Over the decades, listeners have reported hearing Swan Lake music, footsteps, and even a woman’s scream.
On December 11, 2024, it sent out 24 separate messages in a single day, the most intense activity ever recorded.
Increased activity before war
Observers noted that UVB-76’s transmissions spiked in the weeks leading up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Since then, the activity has remained high, with broadcasts every couple of months.
This raises suspicions that the broadcasts are linked to ongoing military operations.
Expert suspicions
David Stupples, professor of radio engineering at City University of London, has said it is “almost certain” that the Russian government operates the station.
He added that its purpose was “probably not a peaceful one,” suggesting it could have direct military implications.
Social media speculation
Journalist Chay Bowes noted online that:
“UVB-76 – Russia’s Doomsday Station – is broadcasting cryptic messages for the second time today. The code words ‘NZHTI’ and ‘HOTEL’ are being broadcast to unknown listeners far from the motherland.”
Users on X speculated the codes might serve as coordinates for submarines or signals to prepare nuclear forces.
Mystery still unsolved
Despite decades of monitoring, the exact location and role of UVB-76 remain unconfirmed.
With war raging in Ukraine and tensions with NATO increasing, every new broadcast fuels international speculation and adds to the mystery of this Cold War-era signal.
