The threat of using nuclear weapons against Ukraine remains a topic of discussion and fear today. Military expert Oleh Zhdanov told a journalist from UNN in more detail about how many nuclear weapons the Russian Federation has, whether there is a real threat of their use against Ukraine, and how to act in the event of a nuclear explosion.
How many nuclear weapons Russia has and where they are stored
According to the military expert, the world has enough information about nuclear arsenals, particularly Russia's. This became possible thanks to international arms control agreements; however, the real number of combat-ready warheads still raises questions.
These figures are known because the world went through the conclusion of strategic arms reduction treaties. We know the storage locations - there are 12 of them on the territory of the Russian Federation. Excluding those awaiting disposal. But Russia can move some warheads, and such facts have already occurred. In total, Russia has approximately 3.5 thousand technically sound warheads, although this is very much in question
The specialist emphasizes that nuclear weapons come in different types and can be used on various delivery vehicles. These include missiles, aerial bombs, and even artillery shells. In fact, any air-to-surface missile can be a potential carrier of a nuclear charge, which significantly complicates risk assessment.
The types of warheads are completely different - from nuclear mines to intercontinental missiles. These include free-fall bombs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Even artillery with a caliber of 152 mm or more can have a nuclear munition. That is, the range is very wide, and practically any missile can be a carrier of a nuclear warhead
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Is the threat of a nuclear strike on Ukraine real?
Despite this, the expert assesses the probability of using nuclear weapons against Ukraine as extremely low. He explains this through the logic of war and political factors. In particular, the use of such weapons contradicts the goals of controlling territories. Furthermore, according to him, there is powerful international pressure.
The probability of use is effectively zero. Because there is no logic in destroying the territory you want to capture. The world community has clearly signaled that nuclear weapons must not be used. They are used more as a tool of intimidation, especially to influence society
At the same time, the military expert admits that there are significantly more deterrent factors than provocative ones. The decision to use nuclear weapons passes through a complex control system. It cannot be made unilaterally and implemented instantly. This reduces risks even in crisis situations.
The command must pass through many levels of confirmation. There are at least seven levels of protection. Without launch codes, nothing will happen. Therefore, even if someone reaches for the "nuclear button," it does not yet mean there will be a launch
Speaking about international agreements, the military expert notes that formally they have lost their relevance. Some treaties have already expired; however, the nuclear club has expanded, and not all countries openly admit to possessing weapons. This complicates control.
If we take it officially, many treaties are no longer in force. The nuclear club includes more than ten countries. There are states that do not admit to having weapons, but everyone understands that they have them. This creates new challenges for global security
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What happens during a nuclear explosion
Separately, the expert explained what happens during a nuclear explosion. He named the main damaging factors: the flash, the shock wave, radiation, and electromagnetic radiation. In addition, even a small charge can cause large-scale destruction.
There are five damaging factors - flash, shock wave, penetrating radiation, radioactive contamination, and electromagnetic radiation. Even a small charge can destroy everything within a radius of tens of kilometers. Electronics completely fail, and people receive fatal injuries
Oleh Zhdanov emphasizes that radiation contamination has a long-term effect and can persist for decades. This makes large areas uninhabitable. At the same time, medicine has limited capabilities for treatment.
The half-life of uranium is about 140 years. This means that even decades later, the territory will remain dangerous. Radiation sickness is practically untreatable. This is one of the most terrible consequences of a nuclear explosion
Is it possible to survive after a nuclear strike?
Regarding the chances of survival, the expert notes that they depend on the distance from the epicenter and the availability of shelter. Specially equipped bunkers are the safest, and water supplies and air filtration also play an important role, whereas without these, the chances decrease sharply.
Survival is possible if there is a shelter with air filtration and water supplies. Everything depends on the distance from the epicenter. In the zone of total destruction, there are almost no chances. Virtually nothing will remain there
In the event of an explosion in an open area, the expert advises looking for any depression. This can reduce the impact of the shock wave, but without protective equipment, the risks remain very high.
You need to lie down in a depression and hide behind any obstacle. But without a gas mask and protective clothing, the chances are minimal. Radiation is what kills even after the explosion
In conclusion, the expert emphasizes: nuclear weapons remain a factor of deterrence, not real application. Despite this, its consequences are so large-scale that even a theoretical threat causes serious concern. That is why this topic continues to remain in the spotlight.
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