MOSCOW. APRIL 22, 2025. PIR PRESS. «Nuclear weapons are not just weapons, they are a living organism that requires constant control and support,» – Vladimir Verkhovtsev, Director General of “Rosatom Nedra”.
On March 20, 2025, an expert seminar, dedicated to the role of nuclear weapons in ensuring Russia’s security, was held as part of the International Security MA Program (organized by the MGIMO University and PIR Center). The speaker was Colonel General (retired), Director General of Rosatom Nedra Vladimir Verkhovtsev.
The seminar was opened by Vladimir Orlov, PIR Center Founding Director, MGIMO University Professor, Academic Director of MA program International Security. In his welcoming remarks, he emphasized the importance of the topic for international security specialists and introduced the speaker, noting his rich professional experience. He also recalled that Vladimir Verkhovtsev held key positions in Russia’s nuclear security system and made a significant contribution to the development of the industry: “Vladimir Verkhovtsev is a Colonel General, PhD in Technical Sciences, Professor at the Russian Academy of Military Sciences. From 2003 to 2011, he commanded what we know as the 12th Chief Directorate of the Ministry of Defense. The 12th Chief Directorate worked continuously during nuclear tests and when this country was withdrawing nuclear weapons from the territory of the former Soviet republics. May 28, 2013 Vladimir Verkhovtsev was appointed to a much more peaceful sounding position and even to a different department, to the position of Director General of the mining division of Rosatom, a uranium holding company, which has always combined the work of this organization. The activity of this organization has always combined a lot of hard work related to both the economy and security of [Russia]”.
In his speech, Vladimir Verkhovtsev gave a detailed account of the development of nuclear weapons – from the first tests to their current state. His speech covered his personal career, the historical stages of the development of the nuclear complex and Rosatom’s current tasks in strengthening the country’s strategic security.
Speaking about the importance of nuclear technologies, Vladimir Verkhovtsev emphasized their multifaceted nature: “When working with nuclear technologies, it is necessary to be able to combine the factors of great labor, economy and safety at the same time. The 12th Chief Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, which I headed, is responsible for nuclear technical support and control of Russia’s nuclear arsenal”.
Turning to the history of the nuclear complex, the speaker noted the significance of its creation: “The historical path of the 12th Chief Directorate began in 1947 with the formation of the Special Department of the General Staff, whose task was to establish the Semipalatinsk test site and study the impact factors of nuclear explosions. “Continuing to refer to key historical events, the speaker focused on the 1961 Tsar Bomba test, noting its global significance: “The Tsar Bomba test was an act of intimidation of adversaries and a key event in the establishment of nuclear parity. It showed that the USSR was capable of producing weapons superior to those developed by the United States”.
The speaker then turned to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, analyzing results of the Operation Anadyr: “In 1962, we secretly delivered 42 R-12 missiles and 36 nuclear warheads to Cuba. This created a ‘parity of fear’ that forced the US to abandon invasion plans and withdraw the ‘Jupiter’ missiles from Turkey”.
Speaking about the role of the 1954 Totsk nuclear exercises, Vladimir Verkhovtsev emphasized their contribution to military training: “In aerial explosions, such as the Totsk exercises, the contamination of the terrain is minimal. This made it possible to practice breaking through enemy defences with the use of nuclear weapons, while maintaining the safety of personnel”.
Continuing the theme of military exercises, the speaker went on to discuss the Semipalatinsk tests of 1956: “40 minutes after the nuclear explosion, we landed paratroopers at a distance of 650-1000 meters from the epicenter. This showed that it was possible to retake the area quickly after a nuclear strike”.
He also drew a comparison with similar tests conducted by the US at the time: “Unlike the same US Desert Rock exercises, the Totsk and Semipalatinsk exercises were conducted with much more serious safety measures. Strict dosimetry control, long waiting times after the explosion, shelters for personnel, protective equipment – safety was monitored at a higher level”.
The speaker concluded his speech by emphasizing the strategic role of nuclear weapons: “Nuclear weapons are the basis for ensuring the security of the Russian Federation. Thanks to Soviet scientists, military commanders and all those who participated in the creation and subsequent testing of nuclear weapons by the USSR and its successor state, the Russian Federation, a super-powerful weapon was created that established nuclear parity – an instrument of military deterrence and a powerful trump card in complex geopolitical arrangements for many decades to come”.
The keynote address was followed by a lively discussion. Students asked questions regarding the prospects for arms control, the role of nuclear weapons in modern geopolitics and the strategic balance in the world. Vladimir Verkhovtsev paid special attention to the adaptation of Russia’s nuclear strategy to new challenges, emphasizing the need to take into account technological changes and new threats.
He emphasized that nuclear capabilities remain the main factor of strategic deterrence, ensuring the stability of the international security system. Vladimir Verkhovtsev also reviewed the key challenges facing Russia in this area, including the militarization of Europe, escalating confrontation between world powers, and the prospects for an arms race in space.
The speaker’s presentation was well received by the seminar participants. Eseniia Kosulina, a student of the MA Program International Security, shared her impressions: “You can see Vladimir Verkhovtsev lives for his job. That is why his lecture arouse the most positive emotions. During the seminar we discussed the history of the creation and development of the Russian nuclear complex. But I was particularly interested in his personal experience as Director General of Rosatom Nedra.”
A video of the seminar is available here. (In Russian)
Vladimir Verkhovtsev‘s thesis can be found in the “Analysis” section via this link. (In Russian)
The Q&A session from the seminar can be found in the “Exclusive Interview” section via this link. (In Russian)
Keywords: Global Security; Nuclear Nonproliferation; Arms Control; Space Security
NS
F13/AST – 25/04/22
