Russia Upgrades Nuclear Bases Near Europe — Satellite Images Reveal

Swedish public broadcaster SVT has published newly obtained satellite images showing a significant buildup of Russian nuclear infrastructure at five bases near Europe, including one just 270 kilometers from Sweden, The Gaze reports.

The photos, verified and analyzed by experts, highlight a systematic upgrade of facilities across Kaliningrad, Belarus, Novaya Zemlya, and the Kola Peninsula.

“We are closely monitoring Russia’s capabilities in this area,” said Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson, responding to the findings. 

“We are aware of this and have been following it for some time. It involves both Russia’s investments in nuclear capabilities and the development of a new doctrine.”

Key Findings from the May 2025 Satellite Images:

• Asipovichy, Belarus: An old Soviet-era nuclear storage facility is being upgraded with modern infrastructure, including a new railway loading platform and air defense systems. The site is secured with triple fencing, according to nuclear researchers from the U.S.-based Federation of American Scientists (FAS).

• Kaliningrad: Just 270 km from Sweden, this base has received new buildings, triple-layered fencing, and upgraded communications systems. Polish officials estimate that around 100 tactical nuclear weapons are stored in the region.

• Novaya Zemlya: Massive new structures have appeared at what experts describe as Russia’s most important nuclear test site.

• Kola Peninsula: Around 50 new bunkers have been constructed for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, along with a new quay for loading missiles onto submarines.

Experts describe these nuclear capabilities as Russia’s most powerful leverage in international negotiations. The Kremlin continues to brandish them to influence global decision-making.

“Russia has lowered the threshold for nuclear threats,” added Jonson. “Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they’ve made such threats over 200 times at various political levels.”

William Alberque, a senior fellow at the Pacific Forum and former NATO nuclear policy adviser, noted:

“Russia knows these threats cause panic in the West. That’s why they’ve been experimenting with escalating nuclear threats for 25 years — and they use them whenever they want things to go their way.”

amGlobal Nuclear Safety – How to Prevent Disasters in the Digital Age