Media sources state that footage of a big freight train travelling with specialised military equipment linked to the nuclear-weapons division of the Russian Defense Ministry has caused them to fear that President Vladimir Putin’s forces may escalate the battle.
In a footage published on Sunday by pro-Russian station Rybar, a number of BPM-97 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and other military vehicles can be seen driving across central Russia.
To enable its occupants to function successfully in the face of persistent infantry attacks, the APCs are thought to have been updated with more competent turrets, strengthened ambush and mine-resistant armour, and an air purifying system.
According to reports, the 12th Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense is the owner of such cutting-edge military equipment, the likes of which have infrequently been seen on the frontlines in Ukraine.
The Strategic Rocket Forces, a branch of the Russian military that manages nuclear missiles and is a crucial part of Putin’s nuclear programme, receive their weapons storage, maintenance, and provision from this specialised division.
According to military analyst Konrad Musyka, the deployment of such forces could indicate an upcoming escalation in hostilities by Russia’s belligerent president or act as a lead-up to significant nuclear drills.
While major Putin supporter Ramzan Kadyrov has suggested that Russia’s military should employ “low-yield nuclear weapons” to change the course of events in Ukraine, NATO has notified its members that Russia’s state-of-the-art Belgorod nuclear submarine has departed its White Sea base.
According to Muzyka, the transfer of heavy military equipment belonging to nuclear-wielding forces does not necessarily suggest that Russia is getting ready to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine.
The Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN) of Russia are known to perform large training exercises in the autumn, so he did speculatively suggest that it might be a “message to the West that Moscow is escalating” the confrontation.
the largest and most technologically sophisticated nuclear defence and deterrent programme in the world, is built around the RVSN, a division of the Russian armed services.
It is made up of numerous missile regiments that are in charge of maintaining and guarding the launch pads for thousands of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that are equipped with nuclear warheads.
