Russia has reportedly been training its navy to launch nuclear strikes deep into Europe in the event of a conflict with NATO, according to secret documents obtained by The Financial Times.
These documents, provided by Western sources, show that Russia has been preparing for a possible full-scale war with the West, with targets far beyond its immediate borders.
Maps of Targets Across Europe
The leaked documents, which date back to 2008-2014, include maps showing potential missile targets across Western Europe, from the west coast of France to Barrow-in-Furness in the UK.
These maps were part of a presentation for Russian naval officers, outlining plans for a conflict that could involve widespread missile attacks on NATO countries.
The documents list 32 potential NATO targets.
They also reveal that Russia has maintained the capability to launch nuclear weapons from surface ships, which increases the risk of escalation or accidents.
The Russian fleet's "high maneuverability" is mentioned as a key factor in delivering "surprise and preemptive strikes" from multiple directions, combining nuclear warheads with other forms of attack to achieve their goals.
"Their concept of war is total war. They see these things (tactical nuclear warheads - ed.) as potentially winning weapons," said arms control expert and professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey Jeffrey Lewis.
According to the documents, the scenarios developed by Russia also include potential military conflicts with its current allies—China, Iran, Azerbaijan, and North Korea.
As reported by Ukrinform, on February 29, during a "message to the Federal Assembly," Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin threatened "possible interventionists" from the West with "conflict involving nuclear weapons" and "the destruction of civilization."
Official Washington called Russian President Putin's statements about the possible use of nuclear weapons "irresponsible rhetoric" and reminded Russia of the potential consequences of such actions.
