Latest news with #Iskander-M
Metro
4 days ago
- Politics
- Metro
Russia 'upgrades' its nuclear sites closest to the UK
Russia is modernising its closest nuclear weapons storage facilities to Britain, new satellite images appear to show. Vladimir Putin is believed to store at least 100 atomic missiles in Kaliningrad, his most westerly region, on the Baltic Sea, around 880 miles from British soil. It is among five key nuclear sites in the west of the country being upgraded by Russia amid fears of a third world war. Satellite images from Planet Labs were highlighted by Swedish broadcaster SVT and show that in Kaliningrad, Putin's suspected nuclear weapons storage sites have undergone significant reconstruction. Putin is known to station Iskander-M missiles in Kaliningrad, which has land borders with two NATO states, Poland and Lithuania. These could not reach the UK, but a stash of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles has more than enough range to do so. The 9M729 (SSC-8) cruise missile is also likely warehoused in Kaliningrad and could strike the UK. Another key site, the Asipovichy base in Belarus, a former Soviet nuclear storage facility which is around 1,000 miles from the UK, is also being renovated. Satellite imagery shows new air defence installations, a new loading platform for rail-based logistics, and high security fencing. Radiation monitors are known to be here, and storage for iodine prophylaxis – indicating the likely basing of nuclear-capable Iskander-M missiles. Similar mystery buildings have been erected at both sites. On the top-secret Kola Peninsula, Russian forces have built a dozen storage bunkers that have emerged over the past decade at Gadzhiyevo base, some 60 miles from NATO territory in Norway. A new building is also underway at Novaya Zemlya, a remote Arctic archipelago where Putin is feared to be preparing for the first nuclear bomb tests since the Soviet era. The site was inspected in recent days by Russian politicians with high-level military experience. Lt-Gen Andrey Gurulev posted from the location: 'You know, there's a lot of fascinating stuff I could say about the test site – but sadly, I cannot. The only thing I can say is – we're fully combat-ready.' Novaya Zemlya is notorious for its role as a Soviet nuclear test site in the Cold War. The Tsar Bomb – the most powerful nuclear bomb ever detonated – was tested there on October 30, 1961. The explosion was so large that it caused shockwaves that circled the Earth multiple times, and its mushroom cloud reached more than 37 miles into the sky. A total of 130 nuclear tests were conducted on Novaya Zemlya by the Soviet Union between 1955 and 1990. Of these, 86 were atmospheric, 39 underground and three underwater, according to declassified documents. Russia's improved military facilities come amid intense global tensions not just with Russia, but in other areas of the world. More Trending Fears are rising that the US and even Gulf states will become involved in the war, but it is unlikely that it will result in a global conflict. Jason Pack, fellow at Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and host of the Disorder Podcast, told Metro that the Iranian regime is 'really weakened'. He said: 'The Iranians don't have the capability to bring us to World War III. 'It is much more likely to see the Iranian people rise up against the regime than we are to see the Iranians like land some decisive blow against Israel.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: All 9 countries on the UK Foreign Office 'no go' travel list MORE: Putin calls Trump to say 'happy birthday' but there was 'no time to talk about Ukraine' MORE: Moment one of Putin's warplanes crashes after wing falls off during bombing raid
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Satellite pics show Putin ramping up Russia's closest nuke sites to Britain…housing missiles that can reach UK in 6mins
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SATELLITE pictures have exposed mad Vladimir Putin's modernisation of Russia's closest nuclear sites to Britain. The Russian dictator is believed to store at least 100 atomic missiles in Kaliningrad, on the Baltic Sea - with missiles able to reach the UK in just six minutes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 Russia is modernising its closest nuclear weapons storage facilities to Britain, with images showing a base in Kaliningrad Credit: SVT 11 The Asipovichy base in Belarus is also being renovated Credit: SVT 11 The 1955 Soviet nuclear torpedo test held at Novaya Zemlya Credit: East2West 11 Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Russia's state-owned defence corporation Rostec CEO in Moscow on Tuesday Credit: AFP 11 The Kaliningrad site is among five key nuclear bases in the west of the country being upgraded by Russia as World War Three fears loom. Bombshell satellite images obtained by Swedish broadcaster SVT show how in Kaliningrad, Putin's suspected nuclear weapons storage site has undergone significant reconstruction. Mad Vlad is already known to station Iskander-M missiles in the militarised Russian enclave which has land borders with two Nato states - Poland and Lithuania. And a stash of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles at the site could reach the UK in just six minutes due to their incredible range. The SSC-8 cruise missile is also likely warehoused in Kaliningrad, and have the ability to strike the UK too. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has previously warned that up to 100 tactical nuclear warheads could be stored at the deadly site. Images from last month show the terrifying addition of triple-layered fencing at the site, alongside brand new buildings and modern, high-tech communications equipment. Another key site, the Asipovichy base in Belarus, a former Soviet nuclear storage facility situated around 1,000 miles from the UK, is also under renovation. Satellite imagery shows new air defence installations, a new loading platform for rail-based logistics, and high security fencing. Radiation monitors are known to be at the site, and storage for iodine prophylaxis - indicating the likely basing of nuclear-capable Iskander-M missiles. Nuclear strikes, secret bunkers for Royals, & massive cyber attacks… how Britain is secretly bracing for war with Russia Similar mystery buildings have been erected at both sites. On the top-secret Kola Peninsula, Russian forces have built a dozen storage bunkers that have emerged over the past decade at Gadzhiyevo base - some 60 miles from Nato territory in Norway. Each has space for four submarine-launched ballistic missiles. At the nearby Okolnaya base, satellite images show a facility that has taken shape that allows submarines to be loaded with missiles from land. SVT reported: "We count and see that there are now around 50 bunker-like buildings there - which could mean space for 200 missiles." New building is also underway at Novaya Zemlya, a remote Arctic archipelago where Putin is feared to be preparing for the first nuclear bomb tests since the Soviet era. The site was inspected in recent days by military-experienced Russian politicians, who made crystal clear the facility is 'combat ready'. Lt-Gen Andrey Gurulev posted from the location: 'You know, there's a lot of fascinating stuff I could say about the test site - but sadly, I cannot. 11 New facility (marked) near Novaya Zemlya Central Test Site is 'ready for full-scale testing' 11 Construction surges at the Asipovichy base in Belarus, flagged for Russian nuclear arms Credit: East2West 11 A nuclear cloud mushrooms after the notorious Soviet Tsar Bomb test on 30 October 1961 Credit: East2West 'The only thing I can say is we're fully combat ready.' Novaya Zemlya is notorious for its role as a Soviet nuclear test site in the Cold War. The Tsar Bomb - the most powerful nuclear bomb ever detonated - was tested there in 1961. The explosion was so gargantuan, it caused shockwaves that circled the Earth multiple times. Its mushroom cloud also reached over 37 miles into the sky. A total of 130 nuclear tests were conducted on Novaya Zemlya by the Soviet Union between 1955 and 1990. Of these, 86 were atmospheric, 39 underground and three underwater, according to declassified documents. The Kremlin has showcased a warning from Russia's Dr Doom to the West that it faces Armageddon by challenging Putin. Nuclear missile scientist Dr Yury Dikov, 87, developer of deadly Bulava, Yars, and Satan-2 warheads, spoke as he was awarded a top honour in the Kremlin by the Moscow dictator. The 'jackals' of the West, backing Ukraine, would 'break their teeth' on Putin's nuclear shield, he said. The atomic scientist told Putin: 'You inherited [Russia] at a very difficult time. 'You managed to pull it back from the brink of disaster and set it on the path to development. 'Now our enemies are gathering again, hoping for easy prey. 'I think that just as Napoleon failed, and Hitler failed, so too will the modern jackals of Nato fail. 'Russian nuclear scientists, represented by me at this moment, thank you for your trust. 'And we can assure you that we will not let you down and that this whole pack will break its teeth on our nuclear shield.' 11 The Gadzhiyevo submarine base near Norway, where Russia stores nuclear-capable missiles in newly built bunkers Credit: East2West 11 Russia's leading nuclear missile scientist Yury Dikov (L), 87, developer of deadly Bulava, Yars, and Sarmat warheads Credit: East2West
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Satellite pics show Putin ramping up Russia's closest nuke sites to Britain…housing missiles that can reach UK in 6mins
SATELLITE pictures have exposed mad Vladimir Putin's modernisation of Russia's closest nuclear sites to Britain. The Russian dictator is believed to store at least 100 atomic missiles in Kaliningrad, on the Baltic Sea - with missiles able to reach the UK in just six minutes. 11 Russia is modernising its closest nuclear weapons storage facilities to Britain, with images showing a base in Kaliningrad Credit: SVT 11 The Asipovichy base in Belarus is also being renovated Credit: SVT 11 The 1955 Soviet nuclear torpedo test held at Novaya Zemlya Credit: East2West 11 Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Russia's state-owned defence corporation Rostec CEO in Moscow on Tuesday Credit: AFP 11 The Kaliningrad site is among five key nuclear bases in the west of the country being upgraded by Russia as World War Three fears loom. Bombshell satellite images obtained by Swedish broadcaster SVT show how in Kaliningrad, Putin's suspected nuclear weapons storage site has undergone significant reconstruction. Mad Vlad is already known to station Iskander-M missiles in the militarised Russian enclave which has land borders with two Nato states - Poland and Lithuania. And a stash of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles at the site could reach the UK in just six minutes due to their incredible range. read more news The SSC-8 cruise missile is also likely warehoused in Kaliningrad, and have the ability to strike the UK too. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has previously warned that up to 100 tactical nuclear warheads could be stored at the deadly site. Images from last month show the terrifying addition of triple-layered fencing at the site, alongside brand new buildings and modern, high-tech communications equipment. Another key site, the Asipovichy base in Belarus, a former Soviet nuclear storage facility situated around 1,000 miles from the UK, is also under renovation. Most read in The Sun Satellite imagery shows new air defence installations, a new loading platform for rail-based logistics, and high security fencing. Radiation monitors are known to be at the site, and storage for iodine prophylaxis - indicating the likely basing of nuclear-capable Iskander-M missiles. Nuclear strikes, secret bunkers for Royals, & massive cyber attacks… how Britain is secretly bracing for war with Russia Similar mystery buildings have been erected at both sites. On the top-secret Kola Peninsula, Russian forces have built a dozen storage bunkers that have emerged over the past decade at Gadzhiyevo base - some 60 miles from Nato territory in Norway. Each has space for four submarine-launched ballistic missiles. At the nearby Okolnaya base, satellite images show a facility that has taken shape that allows submarines to be loaded with missiles from land. SVT reported: "We count and see that there are now around 50 bunker-like buildings there - which could mean space for 200 missiles." New building is also underway at Novaya Zemlya, a remote Arctic archipelago where Putin is feared to be preparing for the first nuclear bomb tests since the Soviet era. The site was inspected in recent days by military-experienced Russian politicians, who made crystal clear the facility is 'combat ready'. Lt-Gen Andrey Gurulev posted from the location: 'You know, there's a lot of fascinating stuff I could say about the test site - but sadly, I cannot. 11 New facility (marked) near Novaya Zemlya Central Test Site is 'ready for full-scale testing' 11 Construction surges at the Asipovichy base in Belarus, flagged for Russian nuclear arms Credit: East2West 11 A nuclear cloud mushrooms after the notorious Soviet Tsar Bomb test on 30 October 1961 Credit: East2West 'The only thing I can say is we're fully combat ready.' Novaya Zemlya is notorious for its role as a Soviet nuclear test site in the Cold War. The Tsar Bomb - the most powerful nuclear bomb ever detonated - was tested there in 1961. The explosion was so gargantuan, it caused shockwaves that circled the Earth multiple times. Its mushroom cloud also reached over 37 miles into the sky . A total of 130 nuclear tests were conducted on Novaya Zemlya by the Soviet Union between 1955 and 1990. Of these, 86 were atmospheric, 39 underground and three underwater, according to declassified documents. The Kremlin has showcased a warning from Russia's Dr Doom to the West that it faces Armageddon by challenging Putin. Nuclear missile scientist Dr Yury Dikov, 87, developer of deadly Bulava, Yars, and Satan-2 warheads, spoke as he was awarded a top honour in the Kremlin by the Moscow dictator. The 'jackals' of the West, backing Ukraine, would 'break their teeth' on Putin's nuclear shield, he said. The atomic scientist told Putin: 'You inherited [Russia] at a very difficult time. 'You managed to pull it back from the brink of disaster and set it on the path to development. 'Now our enemies are gathering again, hoping for easy prey. 'I think that just as Napoleon failed, and Hitler failed, so too will the modern jackals of Nato fail . 'Russian nuclear scientists, represented by me at this moment, thank you for your trust. 'And we can assure you that we will not let you down and that this whole pack will break its teeth on our nuclear shield.' 11 The Gadzhiyevo submarine base near Norway, where Russia stores nuclear-capable missiles in newly built bunkers Credit: East2West 11 Russia's leading nuclear missile scientist Yury Dikov (L), 87, developer of deadly Bulava, Yars, and Sarmat warheads Credit: East2West 11 New missile loading facility spotted at Okolnaya base in Russia near NATO border Credit: East2West
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Russia attacks Ukraine with 4 missiles and 55 UAVs: 43 targets downed, 9 strikes occurred
Since the evening of 12 June, Russian forces have attacked Ukraine with four Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 55 Shahed-type attack UAVs and various types of decoy drones; 43 targets were destroyed, but there were nine strikes. Source: Ukrainian Air Force on Telegram Quote: "As of 09:00, air defence has downed 43 enemy Shahed-type UAVs and other types of drones in the north, east and south of the country. Twenty-eight were shot down by firepower, and 15 disappeared from radar/were suppressed by electronic warfare." Details: It is reported that the Russians attacked Kharkiv, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. Strikes were recorded in nine locations. The air attack was repelled by aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems units and mobile fire groups from the Ukrainian defence forces. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Asia Times
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Asia Times
Russia's war on Ukrainian children
As Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine grinds well into its fourth year, children remain among the war's most vulnerable victims. Ballistic missiles have struck homes, schools, hospitals, and playgrounds. Russia is not only targeting children with missiles, it aims to militarize Ukrainian children on the occupied territories to prepare them for a future war with the West. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called attention to what he describes as the deliberate targeting of children. 'It is wrong and dangerous to keep silent about the fact that it is Russia that is killing children with ballistic missiles,' he said. Twelve people were killed and 90 civilians – including six children – were injured in a large-scale Russian missile and drone strike on Kyiv on April 24. US President Donald Trump even recently asked his advisers if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin 'has changed since Trump's last time in office, and expressed surprise at some of Putin's military moves, including bombing areas with children.' The attack came just weeks after a devastating April 4 strike on the city of Kryvyi Rih where a Russian cluster-armed Iskander-M ballistic missile hit the city of Kryvyi Rih killing 18 people, including nine children, and wounding over 40 others. One of the youngest victims was just three months old. The attack was a brutal reminder of Russia's continued terror tactics, such as the July 2024 strike on Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital, a facility filled with young cancer patients. Ruslan, call sign ' a commander in Ukraine's 23rd Brigade, said Russia systematically targets civilians. 'Hospitals, residential buildings, and shopping centers are struck, yet Russian media claims they're hitting military facilities.' Peter Gelpi, an American volunteer in Ukraine since 2022, said he has been targeted despite driving vehicles clearly marked as 'humanitarian' and 'volunteer.' 'Each strike was extremely accurate,' he said. 'These can't be mistakes.' Between April 1 and April 24 alone, Russian strikes killed 151 people and injured 697 others, according to the UN – a 46% increase in civilian casualties from the same period last year. Russia's war on children extends beyond missile strikes. It has forcibly deported more than 19,000 children to Russia. These actions have drawn accusations of genocide. During the 1932–1933 Holodomor (death by hunger), children were among the most vulnerable and targeted victims of the Soviet-engineered famine in Ukraine. The Soviet government starved millions of Ukrainians to death. Despite their parents' desperate efforts to protect them, millions of children starved, with historians estimating between 1.5 to 4 million child deaths. Those who survived often grew up in orphanages that functioned as death camps, and many remain unrecognized as official victims. 'The Holodomor has played a pivotal historical role in Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Beyond the battlefield, this war has been, in many ways, about the fight for historical narratives,' said John Vsetecka, Assistant Professor of History at Nova Southeastern University. Natalia Kuzovova, Head of the Department of History, Archeology and Teaching Methods at Kherson State University, reflected on the generational efforts of Russia to kill Ukrainians, stating, 'We talk about children who will grow up. Yet hundreds of Ukrainian children will never reach adulthood because they were killed by Russia.' She drew parallels with the Holodomor, when the status of children in society differed significantly from today. At that time, the family structure was patriarchal, survival hinged on a man's physical labor, and society was not child-centered. Family relations extended beyond the modern concept of a nuclear family, and during the Holodomor, as well as during the campaign against peasants considered wealthy, called kulaks, starting in the 1920s, entire 'households' were subjected to repression. 'Even very young children were labeled enemies of the Soviet state and deported with their families, many dying en route or becoming orphans,' said Kuzovova. Teenagers were arrested for failing to meet grain quotas and starved to death in prisons and penal colonies. Children whose parents had been arrested were often left on the streets without care, and those placed in shelters perished due to a lack of food. 'It is believed,' Kuzovova noted, 'that the most numerous victims of the Holodomor were children under the age of four, due to their mothers' loss of lactation and the absence of age-appropriate food.' 'Even very young children were labeled enemies and deported with their families,' she said. 'Children starved in shelters, prisons, and streets.' The most common victims, she noted, were children under four. The psychological toll on today's children is immense. Yuliia Matvievieva of the Volia Fund said reports show rising rates of anxiety, sleep disorders, PTSD, and depression. Displacement, broken family ties, constant danger, and emotionally unavailable caregivers are all contributing factors. 'Children retreat into the internet,' said Alina Holovko, coordinator at Dobra Sprava. 'They live under chronic stress, fear of death, and psychological overload.' She noted that schools need bomb shelters and spaces for group activities. 'In-person schooling would solve many psychological issues,' she said. Sophia Yushchenko, co-founder of Code for Ukraine, said children will face lifelong consequences. 'Education is disrupted, families are broken, and their sense of safety is gone,' she said. She divided the crisis into three groups. First, children in free territories who have suffered physically and emotionally. Second, those abroad who may never return. Third, those in occupied zones taken to reeducation camps or adopted into Russian families. The UN has hesitated to call this genocide, but Yushchenko pointed to the Genocide Convention's clause on forcibly transferring children. 'That's exactly what's happening,' she said. She added that Russian troops often bring textbooks, destroy Ukrainian literature and churches, and install pro-Russia curriculum. 'They replace identity with militarism,' she said. Since 2014, Russia has promoted 'patriotic education' in occupied Ukraine. After 2022, those efforts accelerated. Groups like Yunarmia indoctrinate children with military ideology. Some members have gone on to fight against Ukraine. On May 9, children in red berets marched through Red Square in Moscow, not to celebrate peace, but as part of Russia's growing militarized youth corps, Yunarmiya. Russia also seems to be using children's summer camps in occupied Crimea as human shields to deter Ukrainian strikes, violating international humanitarian law by placing military assets near civilian areas. During the Istanbul talks in early June, Russia's lead negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, reportedly mocked Ukraine's demand to return deported children, dismissing it as 'a show for childless European grandmothers.' The UN reports over 2,500 Ukrainian children killed or injured since the full-scale invasion. These are not isolated tragedies, but the result of a systematic campaign to terrorize civilians and break Ukraine's resolve. It echoes the brutal tactics of the 1930s, when Moscow deliberately starved millions of Ukrainians during the Holodomor to crush their aspirations for independence. Then, as now, Russia seeks to subjugate Ukraine by targeting its most vulnerable. An associate research fellow of the London-based Henry Jackson Society think tank, David Kirichenko is a Ukrainian-American freelance journalist, activist and security engineer who, multiple times during the Ukraine War, has traveled to and worked in the areas being fought over. He can be found on the social media platform X @DVKirichenko
