Putin's nuclear threats: three likely targets of a nuclear strike
Vladimir Putin has caused worldwide fears that he is apparently ready to use nuclear weapons against Russia's opponents. But which countries could the Russian president strike in a nuclear war in the first place?
After the start of a full-scale special military operation in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin twice warned the West against any interference, saying that otherwise it would lead Western countries to such "consequences that you have never faced in your history." Many believe that the Kremlin leader boasts of the largest nuclear arsenal in the world. So who could he use his weapon against if he felt threatened?
1) USA
The most likely target of any nuclear strike by Russia could be its former Cold War adversary, the United States.
The United States is considered the largest nuclear power in the world after Moscow, and, according to the Federation of American Scientists, Washington has a nuclear arsenal of about 5,600 units.
In addition, President Putin recently called the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) a military alliance led by the United States.
He said that the expansion of NATO is being carried out by the United States "very aggressively, which aggravates the already difficult international security situation."
Before the start of his special military operation, President Putin expressed dissatisfaction with the expansion of the alliance towards the borders of Russia
Officials in the Kremlin may consider striking an American target a symbolic sign of the country's power. In addition, it may force NATO countries to abandon actions directed against Russia's plans.
But, given the nuclear power of the United States, Russia can also be deterred from launching any strikes.
2) Great Britain
Since a special military operation began in Ukraine in February, the UK has provided significant amounts of military assistance to the Kiev government.
In addition, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson personally visited Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and promised to continue providing "constant economic and humanitarian assistance."
For their part, President Putin's associates threatened the UK with retaliatory actions.
Dmitry Kiselyov, the chief propagandist of the Russian president, said that Britain could be "plunged into the depths of the sea" by a thermonuclear torpedo launched from an underwater complex.
Alexei Zhuravlev, deputy chairman of the Kremlin's defense committee, also warned that a Russian nuclear strike could destroy the UK in less than four minutes.
The United Kingdom, along with the United States, is considered one of the key members of NATO, and any attack on it could have significance for President Putin.
However, even in this case, Moscow will have to weigh the risks and benefits of an attack on a NATO country, as well as what kind of retaliatory actions this will lead to.
3) NATO countries
Russia may also target a number of other 28 NATO member states, including France, Germany and Canada.
President Putin has previously expressed security concerns, speaking out against the North Atlantic Alliance and stating that its ultimate goal is to "contain Russia."
The use of nuclear weapons against a NATO member country would undoubtedly test the alliance's readiness to respond to an attack in accordance with Article 5 of its charter.
In addition, it could force some allies to withdraw from the military alliance and deter other countries from joining it.
