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This examination of Russia's nuclear arsenal includes the story of missing Russian nuclear suitcases, the dangers of Russia's eroded nuclear command and control systems, and warnings about Russia's disintegrating nuclear early-warning systems. It also reports on security failures at Russia's nuclear facilities, and attempted theft and smuggling of Russian nuclear weapons and material.

The Cold War has ended, but the threat of a nuclear nightmare may not be over. In "Russian Roulette," FRONTLINE investigates the safety and security of the Russian nuclear arsenal and the potential for accidental launch or diversion of its nuclear weapons.


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Russian Roulette

The Cold War is ended, but the threat of a nuclear nightmare is far from over. In 1995 Russian President Yeltsin came within two minutes of launching a nuclear attack because of faulty signals from Russia's crumbling early warning system. FRONTLINE's investigation into the safety and security of the Russian nuclear arsenal presents interviews with U.S. and Russian military commanders about the menacing potential for catastrophe. It also includes top Russian military discussing missing Russian nuclear suitcase bombs and U.S Customs agents describing the first credible case of a scenario to smuggle tactical nuclear weapons in the U.S.

The web site will offer more details on nuclear suitcase bombs and the tactical nuclear weapons smuggling case in Miami. Plus, extended interviews with nuclear policy experts and Russian nuclear commanders and maps of Russian nuclear facilities.

published feb. 1999