Vladimir Putin’s team of close advisors who are known as the “five hands” must all press the nuclear “buttons in sequence.”
A Russian expert and investigative journalist, Christo Grozev, said the “five hands” must all simultaneously press the nuclear launch buttons, but should just one refuse, Putin could be ousted from power in a coup as a result.
Speaking to Radio Liberty Grozev said, “Of course, there is the option that Putin himself gives the order to carry out some of these critical decisions, such as the use of nuclear weapons.”
He added, “And this refusal will be the trigger, most likely, of a coup d’état, because after the refusal to comply with the order of the king, everything will go down very quickly.
“If Putin decides to give an order to use nuclear weapons, he must be sure that everyone along the chain will carry out this order.
“He understands five hands…must press the buttons in sequence.
“If one [person] does not comply, then this will be a signal of insubordination and perhaps even the physical death of Putin.
“So until he is sure that everyone will comply, he will not give this order.”
However Putin can order a nuclear attack and at least two Kremlin senior officials must agree to missiles being launched which could be done by entering in codes into the briefcases also known as the “nuclear football.”
Grozev said that no one in Moscow would want to launch nuclear weapons currently as Putin’s future in the Kremlin remains uncertain as they are looking at who could replace the Russian leader.
He added, “Whether Putin will be in power in three months is not clear to the security forces.
“Therefore, they cannot accept guarantees from him that he will ensure their safety.”
