Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has authorized the purchase of gas masks for Russian families, a decision that has fueled concerns about the potential for a third world war.
History of the Ban and Security Concerns
Gas masks have been on a restricted sales list since 1992, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, after several months of concerns about potential conflict with NATO, Putin has decided to lift this ban. In a press conference responding to questions about targeting British drone sites, he smiled and said that this matter is a "military secret."
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Sale of Gas Masks and Accessories
Starting from March 1 of next year, Russians will be allowed to purchase certified gas masks for civilian use, including versions for children. Additionally, special protective rooms for infants will also be sold. Gas masks can protect against chemical agents, toxic industrial materials, and biological contaminants, and with the appropriate filter, they can also shield against radioactive dust from a nuclear explosion.
Yuri Baranchik, a military analyst supportive of the Kremlin, emphasized that this decision is closely related to the reconstruction of Soviet-era shelters. He stated, "Russian citizens will be allowed to buy gas masks for the entire family. This ban, which has been in place for over 30 years, will be lifted."
Reconstruction of Civil Defense Infrastructure
This change coincides with the Russian government's extensive plans to rebuild the civil defense infrastructure from the Soviet era, which has been neglected since the end of the Cold War. Alexander Kortenko, head of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, announced that over 20,000 shelters in 82 regions of Russia are being reconstructed. Estimates from the ministry indicate that only 16 percent of radiation shelters and refuges were fully operational in 2022.
This action is part of Russian officials' efforts to instill fear in their populace regarding the threat of war with the West amid deepening tensions in the Ukraine conflict. Baranchik also called for real nuclear tests to be conducted on Novaya Zemlya, which was known during the Soviet era as the primary nuclear testing site.
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