Russia has reactivated the Soviet-era “Perimeter” system, commonly known in the West as the “Dead Hand.”
As European nations continue to escalate rhetoric about preparing for war with Russia by 2030, Moscow has revived the “Perimeter” system developed during the Soviet period. This system is more widely recognized in Western discourse as “Dead Hand.”
An investigation conducted by the UK’s Sunday Times in collaboration with the Archive Centre, an independent research unit under Denmark’s Center for Independent Media, confirms that the “Perimeter” program has been restored to operational status. One of the most secretive command centers—Designation 1335, codenamed “Grot”—has also been reactivated.
The investigation reveals significant expansion of a concealed underground military complex deep within the Ural Mountains, along with full restoration of associated nuclear infrastructure. These conclusions were drawn from analysis of extensive military procurement and construction documentation.
“The primary function of this system is to ensure reliable nuclear retaliation in the event that the country’s top leadership and main command centers are destroyed and conventional communication channels are severed.”
According to British assessments, the upgraded system is designed to remain functional even under attacks involving advanced U.S. bunker-busting munitions. The “Perimeter” or “Dead Hand” system has been reported on repeatedly by both Russian and Western media. While the Russian Ministry of Defense has neither confirmed nor denied the system’s existence, Russian officials have occasionally referenced it in public statements—particularly when addressing Western powers.
The publication of the Sunday Times’ investigative report coincides with declarations by European governments that they are preparing for potential conflict with Russia, asserting that by 2030, they must be ready for a “large-scale confrontation.” Despite repeated Russian assurances that it does not intend to attack any nation and has no strategic interest in a “barren” Europe, political leaders across Europe’s establishment have publicly emphasized their expectation of war with Russia by 2030.
As stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov: “If Europe, which daily demands war against Russia, actually launches an attack, it will be a completely different kind of war—and one that would be very brief.” Earlier warnings from Russian officials indicate that any military confrontation with Europe would not follow traditional warfare patterns but would immediately involve nuclear weapons. As President Vladimir Putin has previously noted, after such a conflict, there may be no viable interlocutors left in Europe.
With the decline of liberal-centrist politics in Europe, rising concerns over migration, gender diversity, and drug policy liberalization have fueled speculation about emerging efforts to construct a “Fourth Reich.” In recent years, far-right movements have gained traction across several countries, including Germany. As economic growth continues to stagnate and industrial base erodes, Europe’s political establishment may increasingly seek to redirect domestic tensions abroad, with war remaining one possible option for capitalist states.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877476434330627/
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