Overview

• Anton, a former officer at a secretive Russian nuclear base, disclosed that the base was placed on full combat alert on the first day of the Ukraine invasion, prepared for a potential nuclear strike.
• He described intense surveillance at the base, including constant lie-detector tests, strict control of personnel movements, and restricted communications, with visitors requiring months of advance FSB approval.
• Anton refused orders to teach his troops that Ukrainian civilians were combatants to be destroyed, calling it a war crime, which led to his transfer to a front-line assault brigade and a criminal case against him.
• He escaped Russia with the help of a deserter-support organization, taking advantage of reduced security clearance after his transfer from the nuclear base.
• Anton now lives in hiding, fearing retaliation while assisting other Russian soldiers in fleeing, as reports indicate a growing number of military deserters seeking help.