Blyatman



Imagine, having the power to destroy your enemy just by pressing a button but choosing not to, even when 2 of your companions are resolved to do so. This is a true act of courage, integrity, and humanity. Vasili Alexandrovich Arkihpov went through the same situation and came out as batman the man who saved the world from the brink of eternal destruction. His spontaneous decision of choosing not to launch a nuclear weapon on the US saved mankind and the whole world should be thankful to him. 

Vasili was aboard a submarine during the Cuban missile crisis during which the Soviets had deployed some nuclear weapons in Cuba, as a counter to the nukes placed in Italy and Turkey by the USA. The American weapons were directed at Moscow during the Cold War. While the Soviets and the Cubans argued that the sole purpose of the missiles was defense, the Kennedy government readied itself for Nuclear war. The American military raised itself to DEFCON 2, which is the second-highest level of military preparedness. 

Nikita Khrushchev, leader of the USSR, had sensed an opportunity of forging an alliance and countering an enemy at the same time when the US failed to overthrow the communist government of Cuba. The communist alliance allowed the Soviets to harbor its nukes in Cuba's territory. The procedure of deploying the nukes was carried out so surreptitiously, that even the CIA got the air of it only after the successful deployment. As a response, the US Navy began intercepting Russian cargo ships and imposed a Naval blockade, which was considered an 'Act of War'. 

Returning to Vasili, the submarine he was in was signaled by the US Navy to come to the surface. Deep inside the ocean, the occupants of the submarine perceived it as a signal to launch a torpedo at the behest of the 3 officers present. 2 voted in the affirmative but Vasili refused and vetoed the decision. He convinced the 2 superior officers that this was a mere signal for them to rise to the surface. Vasili unknowingly saved the whole world for a single attack would have provoked reaction from US. 

The precarious stability of the world returned to business as usual. After tense negotiations and discussions between the belligerents, the USA promised to never invade Cuba again and the USSR agreed to remove the missiles from Cuba. This 13 day period of uncertainty and tension during October of 1962 brought the world closest ever to a nuclear war. But again diplomacy and humanity thrived, paving the way for generations to learn from history, for those who ignore history are bound to repeat it. 

Written by Vaibhav

Meme by Veertej

Thank you


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