The UVB-76 radio station, Russia’s infamous ‘Doomsday Radio’, has emitted codes not heard since shortly before Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Russia’s infamous ‘Doomsday Radio’ has burst into life ahead of the meeting of presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska.
The UVB-76 radio station, a relic from the Cold War, was picked up sending the nonsense words: “schesolub”, “druzhnost”, “kerner”, “ryushny”, “dzhinochili” and “lyukospas”. It also messaged: “NZHTI 12687 TOLKOSRAM 9585 4510.” Nicknamed ‘The Buzzer’, the station has usually transmitted only buzzing sounds during its half a century of use.
But, according to the Telegram channel ‘Militarist’, these messages were the same as issued in the first 10 days of January 2022, but some preceding codes were different. Putin launched his barbaric full-scale war on Ukraine only a month later. It comes after Putin warns of nuclear war after unleashing another night of hell on Ukraine
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The bizarre station – a Cold War relic – has been on air for half a century and usually transmits just buzzing sounds, leading to its nickname The Buzzer.
The purpose of the station – also known as ‘Dead Hand Radio’ or ‘Judgement Day Radio’ – remains classified. One theory is that it is a “dead man’s switch”, automatically triggering a military response possibly to nuclear attack, or they may signal training involving the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) or General Staff.
The signals it broadcasts can be sent without the internet or satellite. It is believed to be located northwest of Moscow, in a military zone classified since the Soviet era.
In June, in one burst it equalled the highest number sent in a short period since the end of the Cold War. The station has been active this year around the time of telephone calls between Putin and Trump.
Ahead of the Putin-Trump meeting, European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said they had a “constructive” discussion with Trump today. Speaking alongside Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said after the videoconference that “important decisions” could be made in Anchorage, but stressed that “fundamental European and Ukrainian security interests must be protected” at the meeting.
Merz convened the virtual meetings in an attempt to make sure European and Ukraine’s leaders are heard ahead of the summit, where Trump and Putin are expected to discuss a path toward ending Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Zelensky and the Europeans have been sidelined from that summit. German government spokesperson Steffen Meyer said the intention of Wednesday’s meetings was to “make clear the position of the Europeans.”
Zelensky said his government has had more than 30 conversations with partners ahead of the summit in Alaska, but reiterated his doubt that Putin would negotiate in good faith.
Writing on his official Telegram channel, Zelensky said there was “currently no sign that the Russians are preparing to end the war,” and urged Ukraine’s partners in the United States and Europe to coordinate efforts and “force Russia to peace”.
“Pressure must be applied on Russia for an honest peace. We must take the experience of Ukraine and our partners to prevent deception by Russia,” Zelensky said.
Trump has said he wants to see whether Putin is serious about ending the war, now in its fourth year, describing Friday’s summit as “a feel-out meeting” where he can assess the Russian leader’s intentions.
Yet Trump has disappointed allies in Europe by saying Ukraine will have to give up some Russian-held territory. He has also said Russia must accept land swaps, although it was unclear what Putin might be expected to surrender.
Zelensky has said repeatedly that Ukraine would not give up any territory it controls, saying that would be unconstitutional and would serve only as a springboard for a future Russian invasion.