Kathrine Frich
Global tensions are not just measured by troop movements or speeches, but by subtle signals picked up beyond public view.
From coded communications to unexplained broadcasts, moments of heightened uncertainty have repeatedly drawn attention to the shadows of military power.
That unease has returned this week after a surge of activity from a mysterious Russian radio station long associated with nuclear-era contingency planning.
Russia’s so-called “Doomsday Radio” has transmitted an unusually high number of coded messages in recent days, fuelling fresh fears of escalation as the war in Ukraine continues and relations with NATO remain strained.
Unusual radio surge
The channel, officially known as UVB-76 and often referred to as “The Buzzer”, has reportedly broadcast as many as 15 cryptic messages over the past week.
The activity marks a sharp break from its usual pattern of long stretches of silence punctuated by occasional codes.
According to reports, the transmissions included words such as PEPPER SHAKER, TRANSFER, PABODOLL, SPINOBAZ, FRIGORIA, OPALNY, SNOPOVY and MYUONOSVOD.
UVB-76 has been active since the 1970s and is best known for its constant buzzing tone.
Analysts widely believe the station is operated by Russia’s military, though its precise purpose has never been officially confirmed.
Crisis patterns
Military observers note that similar bursts of coded messages have coincided with past international crises.
The recent increase has therefore prompted concern that the signals reflect heightened alert levels.
Over the last week, the station reportedly sent three messages on Monday, December 8, followed by eight more on Wednesday.
On Friday, December 12, listeners also detected extended bursts of Morse code.
One Russian-speaking listener wrote on social media:
“It is interesting that as many as 15 messages were sent at once, even though the usual interval is once a month or every two months.”
Political warnings
The renewed attention comes amid stark warnings from Western officials.
As reported by the Daily Mail, British Military Intelligence Service Defence Minister Al Carns said the “shadow of war is knocking on Europe’s door” during a speech in Berlin on December 11.
He added: “Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great grandparents endured.”
Earlier outages have also raised suspicion. On November 14, Russian outlet Izvestia reported that UVB-76 went offline after a Ukrainian drone strike damaged nearby power stations.
Among the latest transmissions was one that directly named a NATO country: “NZHTI NZHTI 15854 LATVIA 5894 4167.”
The reference to Latvia intensified anxiety given its proximity to Russia and alliance commitments..
Sources: Daily Mail, Izvestia, Express.
