Arkhipov’s Refusal Saved the World

This story almost ended the world. In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis,

American and Soviet forces were on the edge of war. A Soviet submarine was deep underwater.

Cut off from communication. Inside, the temperature exceeded 45°C. The crew was exhausted

and afraid. Suddenly, U.S. ships began dropping depth charges.

They were warning signals. But the submarine crew didn’t know that.

The captain believed war had already started. The submarine carried a nuclear torpedo.

To launch it, three officers had to agree. Two said yes. The third was Vasily

Arkhipov, the fleet’s second-in-command. Arkhipov refused. He said there was no proof of war.