Rainer Saks: Russia leaves nuclear sites exposed, indicating no war with NATO is planned

Russia appears to be stripping its Arctic nuclear facilities of air defense, a move that suggests Moscow is not anticipating a war with NATO, according to security expert Rainer Saks.

Analysis of publicly available Google Earth data by The Barents Observer indicates that Russian military command has withdrawn several S-300 and S-400 air defense systems from the Arctic region, particularly from the area around Severodvinsk in the Arkhangelsk Oblast.

Saks suggests these air defense assets were likely redeployed after 2024 to reinforce air defenses in occupied Crimea and around Moscow. Severodvinsk is significant as it houses the only factories in Russia responsible for producing nuclear submarines and repairing nuclear-powered vessels.

The expert's conclusion is that Russia's current strategic planning does not include the outbreak of military hostilities with NATO member states. This strategic redeployment of critical air defense assets away from sensitive Arctic installations points to a focus on existing occupied territories and the capital, rather than preparation for a broader conflict.