As the tensions between Ukraine and Russia are not cooling down and are increasing day by day, the threat of nuclear attack is also rising. Nuclear weapons are one of the most destructive forces, as they can destroy everything. Recently, the United States of America has made a shift in its position by allowing Ukraine to strike targets inside the Russian territory with the US-supplied long-range missiles, Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS. This decision came just two months before Joe Biden left the presidential office and Russia’s surprise decision to deploy North Korean troops in the fight.
After this, Moscow confirmed that Ukraine had struck Russia with the US-made ATACMS missiles. Also, Putin brought a change in its policy for a nuclear strike. He stated that now, an attack by a non-nuclear power that is supported by atomic energy will be considered a joint attack. Due to all these events, the tensions between the USA and Russia have also risen, hinting towards a probable World War 3. There have already been speculations made as to which areas in the US might be affected by Russia’s nuclear attack. So now, let’s have a look at which regions of Russia will be targeted if America launches Nukes.
The Capital City Of Russia, Moscow, Will Be The Main Target
As the tensions between America and Russia are rising, one of the countries might launch its nuclear missiles. If America launches Nukes and strikes Russia, the first city to get severely damaged is Moscow. The city is one of Russia’s most populated and largest cities, with an estimated population of 13,154,708. If America plans to make Moscow its explosion point, then it will cause massive destruction because it takes only 10 seconds for the fireball from a nuclear explosion to reach its maximum size. It will release vast amounts of energy, which will produce deadly radiation, cause environmental contamination, and also cause cancer and genetic damage. Further, the areas close to Moscow might also face the explosion’s short- and long-term effects.
St. Petersburg Will Face Devastation If America Launches Nukes
The 2nd most populated city in Russia is St. Petersburg, and if a nuclear explosion happens in this area, massive destruction will be caused. Currently, the population of this city is 5,582,000, and if a 100-kiloton atomic bomb is dropped, then it can lead to more than 267,690 people dying and injuries exceeding 755,420. Further, the 100-kiloton bomb can cause damage to an area of over 100 square miles, which will directly affect a significant portion of its population. The nuclear attack will expose the people to severe radiation, which will lead them to long-term health issues such as cancer, lack of oxygen, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, the nuclear explosion will damage the infrastructure, such as hospitals and transportation, delaying the rescue procedures.
Nuclear Attack By America Might Put Novosibirsk At Risk
After Russia made the move to lower its nuclear attack threshold and warn America about launching nuclear missiles, certainly, America will not keep quiet. The tensions between USA and Russia are increasing day by day, and America might launch Nukes over Russia. If this occurs, then Novosibirsk, a Russian city, is the third place to suffer massive devastation. It is amongst the largest cities in Russia and is the administrative centre of Novosibirsk Oblast. As of now, the population of this city is 1,633,900. If America launches a 100-kiloton nuclear bomb over this city, then a large number of people will die, and there will be a massive amount of injuries. Also, the extreme heat or radiation from the explosion will cause long-term effects such as cancer and short-term effects such as severe burns, internal bleeding, lung injuries, and ear damage. Fires over large areas could also form a firestorm, leading to infrastructure collapse.
The City Located On The Iset River In Russia Is Also Prone To Nuclear Attack
Yekaterinburg, a Russian city located on the Iset River, is the 4th most populated city. After Novosibirsk, this region is at high risk of being the target of America’s nuclear explosion. As of 2024, the population of this city is estimated to be around 1,536,183. If America launches Nukes and strikes this city, then most of the residents will get killed. The remaining population who will survive the attack might have to face long-term effects such as incurable diseases, burns, and genetic damage. Further, nuclear bombing can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning, lack of oxygen, and climate disruption.
Other Big Cities Are Also Under The Radar Of The United States
The increasing tensions between the US and Russia might lead to a third world war. It is highly probable that if America launches Nukes, cities such as Omsk, Kazan, Rostov-na-Donu, Samara, Cel’ abinsk, and Nizhny Novgorod will also face adverse effects. There are speculations that if a massive explosion happens in this city, some famous landmarks might get damaged. Further, everything within the blast radius or its immediate vicinity will not survive as these explosions are very destructive. People living in these areas can expect to suffer third-degree burns, long-term health issues, severe disablement, and thermal radiation. In addition, there can be a radiation fallout, meaning radioactive particles might spread and contaminate water and land for thousands of decades.
Devastation Which Might Be Faced By The Above-Mentioned Cities
Nuclear explosions are very destructive and inhumane as they can kill millions of people. If a single atomic bomb is detonated in an area, then it might kill a large amount of people. However, if hundreds or thousands of atomic bombs are detonated, then it can lead to disruption of climate or even widespread famine. If America launches Nukes over the cities of Russia, then it will destroy the entire city and kill most of its residents.
The bomb will release energies that might cause lung injuries, ear damage, severe burns, and internal bleeding. Also, the explosion can release thermal radiation, which can cause long-term health diseases such as cancer. Further, residents of these cities can sustain injuries from the collapsing infrastructure. The extreme heat from the missiles can lead to fire, which can take the form of firestorms. During these times, if people opt to stay underground, they might also die due to carbon monoxide poisoning or even lack of oxygen.
