Latest news with #UVB-76
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Inside The Bear's Den: Ukraine's Deep Strike And The Echoes Of UVB-76
Last Updated: As the mysterious radio station UVB-76 crackled to life, seasoned watchers recognised the ominous signal: Russia's nuclear doctrine may have stirred from its icy slumber. In a move that rattled Kremlin corridors and pierced the illusion of homeland invulnerability, Ukraine pulled off what few imagined possible: a precise, coordinated strike deep within Russian territory, targeting strategic bomber bases. The reverberations weren't just physical. As the mysterious radio station UVB-76 crackled to life, seasoned watchers recognised the ominous signal: Russia's nuclear doctrine may have stirred from its icy slumber. A Strike That Rewrote the Rules of the War When the conflict between Ukraine and Russia began, few would have wagered that Kyiv could one day reach into Russia's airbases with the kind of precision that recalls the Iranian-backed Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia's Aramco facilities in 2019. Yet, here we are. Russian bombers – the very platforms launching cruise missiles into Ukrainian cities – were hit. Not near the border. Not on contested land. But inside the Russian heartland. This is not just escalation; it's evolution. Ukraine's attack on Engels and other airbases was no fluke. It was planned, timed, and executed with precision. Whether drones were launched from Ukraine or within Russian territory by infiltrated saboteurs remains to be fully confirmed, but the strategic implications are seismic. This wasn't just a blow to hardware; it was a psychological strike against Russia's sense of internal security. Parallels to Aramco: Disrupting from Within In 2019, Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a surprise attack using drones and cruise missiles against Saudi Arabia's prized Aramco oil processing facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais. Despite being a technologically inferior force, the Houthis used agility, asymmetry, and innovative targeting to cause billions in losses and embarrass a top-tier military state. Ukraine is now borrowing from the same playbook. UVB-76: Russia's Ominous Voice in the Static UVB-76, known colloquially as 'The Buzzer", has broadcast on the 4625 kHz frequency since the Cold War. Usually emitting a monotonous buzzing tone 24/7, its occasional voice transmissions – usually strings of seemingly random numbers and names – signal serious military readiness. So when voices replace buzzes, people tune in. Analysts track these broadcasts closely, and their resurgence around moments of geopolitical tension is no coincidence. Legacy Command-and-Control System: UVB-76 may serve as a backup or fail-safe command channel for Russia's nuclear forces. A relic of the Cold War, it is still very much operational. Part of the 'Dead Hand" System?: The so-called 'Perimeter" system – Russia's automatic nuclear retaliation network – is designed to launch if leadership is decapitated. UVB-76's activity could be a signal to activate elements of that structure. War-Time Activation: Historically, the buzzer becomes active with voice messages during major military shifts or nuclear readiness moves. Its sudden transmission post-airbase attack suggests heightened alertness. Symbolic Deterrence: Broadcasting voice messages may be as much a signal to NATO and Ukraine as it is a real command. It says: 'We're watching. And we're ready." Understanding Russia's Nuclear Doctrine In Response to Nuclear/Other WMD Attacks: A straightforward clause – if Russia is attacked with nuclear weapons or WMDs, it will retaliate. Attack on Strategic Infrastructure That Undermines Deterrence: This is where Ukraine's move becomes sensitive. Bombers form the backbone of Russia's nuclear triad (land-based missiles, submarines, bombers). Damaging them could, in theory, be interpreted as undermining deterrence capability. Conventional War That Threatens State Existence: If the Russian Federation perceives it is losing a conventional war and the state's existence is in danger, it may resort to nuclear weapons. Incoming Missiles of Unknown Type: Even if the warhead isn't nuclear, an incoming missile that could potentially be nuclear might prompt a pre-emptive or retaliatory strike. Ukraine's strike, while not nuclear in nature, is seen by Russia as a breach of invulnerability. The logic behind activating UVB-76 may be rooted in Russia preparing for an escalation ladder – to signal that it might respond disproportionately to further such attacks. Strategic Implications for Russia and the World 1. Psychological Warfare and Civilian Panic For the first time, Russian civilians far from the Ukrainian border are hearing sirens, witnessing explosions, and seeing burnt aircraft at home bases. The psychological wall between 'frontline war" and 'safe rear" is broken. Families of bomber pilots, ground crew, and air defence personnel are no longer insulated. This internal panic leads to: Pressure on the Russian military to bolster internal air defence. Declining morale among troops. Increased fear-based loyalty instead of ideological belief. 2. NATO's Dilemma: Silent Applause or Visible Restraint? Ukraine's attack serves NATO's interest by bleeding Russia's strategic power, but also risks uncontrollable escalation. Hence: NATO may support Ukraine quietly with ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance). Direct applause is avoided to not provoke Russian escalation. 3. Ukraine's Indigenous Capability Grows This attack was not enabled solely by Western technology. Ukrainian drone production, likely with local payload systems, AI-based navigation, and stealth profiles, is maturing. With each such strike: Kyiv becomes less dependent on foreign platforms. The world sees Ukraine as a military innovator. 4. Russia's Myth of Strategic Depth Crumbles One of Russia's greatest traditional advantages is its geographic depth. Napoleon failed. Hitler failed. But drone warfare cares little about swamps, tundras, or distance. Ukraine, using $10,000 drones, just made the vastness of Russia irrelevant. 5. UVB-76 Hints at Escalation Readiness When the Buzzer changes its tone, it's not just shortwave enthusiasts who get nervous. It means contingency plans are no longer theoretical. Where Does This Lead? A Game of Nerves and Narratives We're entering a new era in this war. One where precision strikes, strategic signalling, and psychological operations are more important than tank divisions. What Ukraine just did is more than a military success. It's a lesson in 21st-century warfare: Narratives shape reality: When your civilians feel safe no longer, it changes national mood. Perception drives deterrence: Russia may act as if it was attacked by NATO – even if it wasn't. Innovation beats scale: Ten clever drone engineers can outmatch an entire division's worth of outdated doctrine. Conclusion: The Buzzer Is Buzzing – The World Should Listen top videos View all Just like the crackling static of UVB-76, the message from this attack is encrypted – but clear to those who know where to look. The bear has been poked deep in its cave. It may roar. Or it may retreat to lick its wounds. Either way, the war has changed. This is not just a shift in tactics. This is a transformation of how nations wage war, deter enemies, and survive modern threats. Stay tuned. And when the buzzer speaks again – listen. The writer is a retired officer of the IRS and the former director-general of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. About the Author Group Capt MJ Augustine Vinod VSM (Retd) Group Capt MJ Augustine Vinod VSM (retd) tweets at @mjavinod tags : Russia Ukraine War Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 02, 2025, 17:46 IST News opinion OPINION | Inside The Bear's Den: Ukraine's Deep Strike And The Echoes Of UVB-76
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Russia's ‘Doomsday Radio' crackles into life after ‘Spiderweb' blitz – as Putin weighs options for terrifying revenge
SEEING RED Russia's 'Doomsday Radio' crackles into life after 'Spiderweb' blitz – as Putin weighs options for terrifying revenge Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUSSIA'S mysterious doomsday radio station called "The Buzzer" burst into action after Ukraine's daring Operation Spiderweb blitz. A raging Vladimir Putin is now said to be preparing for a terrifying revenge attack after Kyiv obliterated more than 40 Russian aircraft in a humiliating blow. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Radio station UVB-76 produces an eerie sound that buzzes 24 hours a day, seven days a week 5 The moment one of dozens of Ukrainian drones flies out of a truck in the Irkutsk region, in Siberia, before striking the 'Belaya' air base 5 Russian Tu-95 bombers burning 'en masse' according to a Ukrainian SBU source Credit: Ukraine's Security Service 5 Pictures show a huge stockpile of FPV drones hidden inside a secret compartment in a container Credit: 24 TV/SBU 5 Russian President Vladimir Putin pictured today after Ukraine's drone assault Credit: Reuters In the wake of the heavy losses, Russia's sinister doomsday radio burst into activity, spewing out codewords. Known to be used by the KGB during the height of the Cold War, Radio station UVB-76 has been continuously buzzing since the late '70s to allegedly exchange secret military messages. But its activity is known to increase following major military or political events. Among the cryptic words it uttered in Russian were Duck, Walrus, Meadow, Bee-eater, and Fun. While one knows what these eerie signals indicate, speculations are that they are linked to secret military operations or even nuclear protocols. UVB-76 transmits on the frequency 4625 kHz and is characterised by an eerie sound that buzzes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has been active this year previously after Putin's telephone calls with Donald Trump. A furious Putin is now expected to attack Ukraine in a revenge blitz. Just hours after Kyiv's audacious mass drone strike, Moscow launched, Russia launched a wave of retaliatory strikes overnight. The deadly strikes overnight killed five in Zaporizhzhia, injured six in Sumy, and several more in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, according to Ukrainian authorities. It comes as Russian and Ukrainian delegations are set to meet today in Istanbul for a second round of peace talks. Follow our live blog below as we bring you the latest updates...
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Russia's ‘Doomsday Radio' crackles into life after ‘Spiderweb' blitz – as Putin weighs options for terrifying revenge
RUSSIA'S mysterious doomsday radio station called "The Buzzer" burst into action after Ukraine's daring Operation Spiderweb blitz. A raging Vladimir Putin is now said to be preparing for a terrifying revenge attack after 5 Radio station UVB-76 produces an eerie sound that buzzes 24 hours a day, seven days a week 5 The moment one of dozens of Ukrainian drones flies out of a truck in the Irkutsk region, in Siberia, before striking the 'Belaya' air base 5 Russian Tu-95 bombers burning 'en masse' according to a Ukrainian SBU source Credit: Ukraine's Security Service 5 Pictures show a huge stockpile of FPV drones hidden inside a secret compartment in a container Credit: 24 TV/SBU 5 Russian President Vladimir Putin pictured today after Ukraine's drone assault Credit: Reuters In the wake of the heavy losses, Russia 's sinister doomsday radio burst into activity, spewing out codewords. Known to be used by the KGB during the height of the But its activity is known to increase following major military or political events. Among the cryptic words it uttered in Russian were Duck, Walrus, Meadow, Bee-eater, and Fun. While one knows what these eerie signals indicate, speculations are that they are linked to secret military operations or even nuclear protocols. UVB-76 transmits on the frequency 4625 kHz and is characterised by an eerie sound that buzzes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has been active this year previously after Putin's telephone calls with Donald Trump. A furious Putin is now expected to attack Ukraine in a revenge blitz. Most read in The US Sun Just hours after Kyiv 's audacious mass drone strike, Moscow launched, Russia launched a wave of retaliatory strikes overnight. The deadly strikes overnight killed five in Zaporizhzhia, injured six in Sumy, and several more in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, according to Ukrainian authorities. It comes as Russian and Ukrainian delegations are set to meet today in Istanbul for a second round of peace talks. Follow our live blog below as we bring you the latest updates...
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Putin's mystery ‘doomsday radio station' sparks into life around Kremlin's Trump call – transmitting cryptic ‘nuke' code
AN OMINOUS cryptic message was broadcast from Russia's mysterious "doomsday radio station" around the time of Vladimir Putin's telephone call with Donald Trump yesterday. It marks the second time year that the Soviet-era relic creaked into action during a conversation between the two presidents. 6 Putin speaking after his call with president Trump Credit: East2West 6 Vladimir Putin continued to strike Ukraine with Shahed kamikaze drones after his call with Trump Credit: East2West 6 Russia's UVB-76 broadcast cryptic messages around the time of Vladimir Putin's phone talks with Donald Trump. Credit: East2West 6 Just ahead of the White House's call to Putin, the UVB-76 radio station broadcast the sinister code NZhTI 89905 BLEFOPUF 4097 5573. This was followed up a few hours later with NZhTI 01263 BOLTANKA 4430 9529. Known variously known as Buzzer, Dead Hand Radio or Judgement Day Radio, the radio station has been around since the Cold War, although its purpose is classified. It operates around the clock making a strange buzzing sound, but it sometimes sends out cryptic messages. It is unknown what these messages actually mean, but the station is widely assumed to have a military purpose - with possible links to Moscow's nuclear forces. Back in April, the radio broadcast four words - Neptune, Thymus, Foxcloak, and Nootabu, according to Telegram channel UVB-76 logs, which monitors its activity. Following his call with Putin, Donald Trump posted that talks "will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War." He also suggested that peace talks could be hosted at the Vatican, where newly-elected Pope Leo XIV met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky following his inaugural mass at St Peter's Square. But while the Russian dictator called his discussion with Trump "frank and very useful", Moscow's forces went on the attack shortly afterwards. More than 108 drones were fired at Ukraine, according to Kyiv's air force. Vladimir Putin expands nuclear missile base after test at frozen site killed five in horror radiation leak disaster One struck a civilian minibus in Ukraine's Kherson region, wounding a woman aged 65. Kamikaze drones also hit Dnipropetrovsk, triggering a major fire in Synelnykovsky district, while others struck Nikopol, Pokrovska, Myrivska and Marhanetska. Some 56,000 residents of the Ukrainian border region Sumy have been forced to evacuate over fears of Russian attacks. Trump had previously pledged to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours upon assuming office. But concern appears to be mounting in European capitals that Trump had failed to publicly threaten Putin with harsh sanctions for failing to swiftly agree a ceasefire as a prelude to peace talks. The previous aim had been a 30-day ceasefire, although Trump appeared not to impose a timescale. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said: "Europe will increase pressure on Moscow with sanctions. "We agreed on this with US President Donald Trump after his conversation with Putin." The wild conspiracy theories about the UVB-76 THE Russian radio station UVB-76, also known as "The Buzzer, Some of them include: Spy Communications: One of the most prevalent theories is that UVB-76 is used by Russian intelligence agencies to communicate with spies. The repetitive buzzing sound could be a marker to keep the frequency occupied, with occasional voice messages being coded instructions for undercover operatives. Nuclear Dead Man's Switch: Another theory proposes that UVB-76 is part of a "dead man's switch" system, which could automatically trigger a nuclear response if the station were to go offline. This would act as a deterrent, ensuring a retaliatory strike even if command and control were destroyed. Mind Control Experiments: Some believe that the station is involved in psychological operations or mind control experiments. The strange buzzing and periodic voice messages are thought to be part of an attempt to influence or control the minds of listeners, either broadly or specifically targeted individuals. Time Travel & Parallel Universes: Among the more outlandish theories is the idea that UVB-76 is a tool for communicating with time travelers or accessing parallel universes. The station's mysterious and seemingly nonsensical broadcasts are interpreted as messages from other times or dimensions. Alien Communications: A more fringe theory suggests that UVB-76 is a communication link with extraterrestrial beings. The unusual sounds and sporadic messages are believed by some to be attempts at communicating with or receiving messages from aliens. Scientific Experiments: There is also speculation that the station is part of scientific research, possibly related to ionospheric studies or weather modification. The consistent signal might be used to study atmospheric conditions or to experiment with weather control technologies. Trump hinted in his Truth Social post that some sort of trade deal between Russia and the United States could come when the war is over. But Zelensky has warned that Putin is set to "drag out the war". He said: "If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions for that. "Pressure on Russia will encourage it to make real peace - this is obvious to everyone in the world. "If Putin puts forward unrealistic conditions, then this will mean that Russia continues to drag out the war and deserves that Europe, America and the whole world behave accordingly, including responding with additional sanctions. "Russia must end the war that it started, and it can do so any day. Ukraine is always ready for peace." 6 Russian struck Sumy region in drone strikes overnight following Vladimir Putin's telephone talks on a ceasefire with Donald Trump Credit: East2West
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Putin's mystery ‘doomsday radio station' sparks into life around Kremlin's Trump call – transmitting cryptic ‘nuke' code
AN OMINOUS cryptic message was broadcast from Russia's mysterious "doomsday radio station" around the time of Vladimir Putin's telephone call with Donald Trump yesterday. It marks the second time year that the Soviet-era relic creaked into action Advertisement 6 Putin speaking after his call with president Trump Credit: East2West 6 Vladimir Putin continued to strike Ukraine with Shahed kamikaze drones after his call with Trump Credit: East2West 6 Russia's UVB-76 broadcast cryptic messages around the time of Vladimir Putin's phone talks with Donald Trump. Credit: East2West 6 Just ahead of the White House's call to Putin, the UVB-76 radio station broadcast the sinister code NZhTI 89905 BLEFOPUF 4097 5573. This was followed up a few hours later with NZhTI 01263 BOLTANKA 4430 9529. Known variously known as Buzzer, Dead Hand Radio or Judgement Day Radio, It operates around the clock making a strange buzzing sound, but it sometimes sends out cryptic messages. Advertisement read more in world news It is unknown what these messages actually mean, but the station is widely assumed to have a military purpose - with possible links to Moscow's nuclear forces. Back in April, the radio broadcast four words - Neptune, Thymus, Foxcloak, and Nootabu, according to Telegram channel , which monitors its activity. Following his call with Putin, Donald Trump posted that talks "will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War." He also Leo XIV met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky following his inaugural mass at St Peter 's Square. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun But while the Russian dictator called his discussion with Trump "frank and very useful", Moscow's forces went on the attack shortly afterwards. More than 108 drones were fired at Ukraine, according to Kyiv's air force. Vladimir Putin expands nuclear missile base after test at frozen site killed five in horror radiation leak disaster One struck a civilian minibus in Ukraine's Kherson region, wounding a woman aged 65. Kamikaze drones also hit Dnipropetrovsk, triggering a major fire in Synelnykovsky district, while others struck Nikopol, Pokrovska, Myrivska and Marhanetska. Advertisement Some 56,000 residents of the Ukrainian border region Sumy have been forced to evacuate over fears of Russian attacks. Trump had previously pledged to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours upon assuming office. But concern appears to be mounting in European capitals that Trump had failed to publicly threaten Putin with harsh sanctions for failing to swiftly agree a ceasefire as a prelude to peace talks. The previous aim had been a 30-day ceasefire, although Trump appeared not to impose a timescale. Advertisement German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said: "Europe will increase pressure on Moscow with sanctions. "We agreed on this with US President Donald Trump after his conversation with Putin." The wild conspiracy theories about the UVB-76 THE Russian radio station UVB-76, also known as "The Buzzer, Some of them include: Spy Communications: One of the most prevalent theories is that UVB-76 is used by Russian intelligence agencies to communicate with spies. The repetitive buzzing sound could be a marker to keep the frequency occupied, with occasional voice messages being coded instructions for undercover operatives. Nuclear Dead Man's Switch: Another theory proposes that UVB-76 is part of a "dead man's switch" system, which could automatically trigger a nuclear response if the station were to go offline. This would act as a deterrent, ensuring a retaliatory strike even if command and control were destroyed. Mind Control Experiments: Some believe that the station is involved in psychological operations or mind control experiments. The strange buzzing and periodic voice messages are thought to be part of an attempt to influence or control the minds of listeners, either broadly or specifically targeted individuals. Time Travel & Parallel Universes : Among the more outlandish theories is the idea that UVB-76 is a tool for communicating with time travelers or accessing parallel universes. The station's mysterious and seemingly nonsensical broadcasts are interpreted as messages from other times or dimensions. Alien Communications : A more fringe theory suggests that UVB-76 is a communication link with extraterrestrial beings. The unusual sounds and sporadic messages are believed by some to be attempts at communicating with or receiving messages from aliens. Scientific Experiments : There is also speculation that the station is part of scientific research, possibly related to ionospheric studies or weather modification. The consistent signal might be used to study atmospheric conditions or to experiment with weather control technologies. Trump hinted in his Truth Social post that some sort of trade deal between Russia and the United States could come when the war is over. But Zelensky has warned that Putin is set to "drag out the war". Advertisement He said: "If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions for that. "Pressure on Russia will encourage it to make real peace - this is obvious to everyone in the world. "If Putin puts forward unrealistic conditions, then this will mean that Russia continues to drag out the war and deserves that Europe, America and the whole world behave accordingly, including responding with additional sanctions. "Russia must end the war that it started, and it can do so any day. Ukraine is always ready for peace." Advertisement 6 Russian struck Sumy region in drone strikes overnight following Vladimir Putin's telephone talks on a ceasefire with Donald Trump Credit: East2West 6 Vladimir Putin following his call with Trump Credit: East2West
