HELSINKI - Nuclear-armed submarines slip in and out of the frigid waters along the coast of Russia's Kola Peninsula at the northern edge of Europe. Missiles capable of destroying cities are stored by the dozens in bunkers burrowed into the inland hills.
Since the Cold War, this Arctic arsenal has been protected by a combat unit considered one of Russia's most formidable - the 200th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade - until it sent its best fighters and weapons to Ukraine this year and was effectively destroyed.
