When Yeltsin Reached for the Nuclear Briefcase
Part of Heroes and Hiccups: True Stories about Nuclear Weapon Risks
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In 1995, Russian radar systems detected a rocket launch above Norway. Officials feared it might be an incoming U.S. nuclear strike. Russian subs scrambled, and President Yeltsin was given the nuclear briefcase for a counterstrike.
It turned out to be a scientific rocket studying the Northern Lights. The Russians were notified in advance, but the message never made it up the chain of command. Fortunately, Yeltsin didn’t believe it was real and decided to stand down.
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When Hawaii Ducked and Covered
