Russian President Vladimir Putin has been reported to have built a secret underground bunker in the Ural Mountains, specifically designed to enable the government to continue operating in the event of a large-scale nuclear attack. The bunker, known as Installation 1335, is located near the small village of Kytlym, at the foot of the Kosvinski Kamen mountain in the Ural Mountains. The area is largely forested and remote, sparking curiosity about the purpose of this heavily guarded military facility.
The extensive network of underground tunnels and facilities beneath the Ural mountain was initially constructed during the Cold War era. At that time, the Soviet Union was preparing for the possibility of a nuclear attack and aimed to create a system that would allow the government to maintain control and coordinate a response. The project, codenamed "Perimetr" or "Dead Hand" in the West, involved building bunkers across the country that could protect essential personnel and equipment, as well as facilitate communication with military units.
Although it was previously thought that the "Perimetr" system had largely fallen out of use after the Cold War, recent research suggests that it has been revived under Putin's leadership. An investigation by the Dossier Center, a research organization led by Russian politician Mikhail Khodorkovsky, in collaboration with the Danish journalism outlet Danwatch and The Times newspaper, uncovered evidence that Russia has been investing in the project since 2011.
According to the investigation, Russia has been procuring construction materials and equipment in large quantities since 2018, with the aim of building a new bunker within the mountain. The documents obtained reveal that the facility may comprise at least 24 underground sections, equipped with an independent oxygen supply system. The distance between the entrance and exit points of the bunker is reportedly around 2.5 kilometers.
The bunker is believed to be part of a broader effort to enhance Russia's nuclear deterrence capabilities and ensure the continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic attack. While the exact details of the facility remain classified, the investigation's findings have sparked concerns about the potential implications for global security.
The construction of the bunker is seen as a reflection of Russia's priorities in the realm of national security and defense. The country's leadership has been emphasizing the importance of bolstering its military capabilities in recent years, amid rising tensions with Western nations.
The revelation of the secret bunker has generated significant interest and debate among experts and the general public, with many questioning the motivations behind its construction and the potential consequences for international relations. As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, the discovery of Putin's underground bunker serves as a reminder of the ongoing complexities in the realm of global security.
Key points
- The bunker, known as Installation 1335, is located in the Ural Mountains and is designed to enable the Russian government to continue operating in the event of a large-scale nuclear attack.
