Is Russia preparing for nuclear war, what is the Victory Day parade and what would happen if Putin launched an atomic weapon?
Russia displayed its military might with a Victory Day parade
VLADIMIR Putin is throwing billions at his military to ensure Russia is prepared for nuclear war.
Russia displayed its military might with a Victory Day parade showcasing nuclear warheads, monster armoured vehicles and 10,000 troops to make enemies “salivate”.
As tensions between the US, Russia, China and North Korea continue to escalate, we take a look at whether nuclear war is likely to break out.
Is Russia preparing for nuclear war?
Russia is blowing billions on nuclear missiles and updating its rusting navy to ensure the country is ready for war.
Putin is currently building the ‘world’s biggest aircraft carrier’ to compete with Donald Trump’s Navy in a project that is thought to cost almost £14billion.
The Shtorm aircraft is rumoured to be able to carry up to 90 combat aircraft, with the mammoth carrier’s deck expected to be the size of three football fields.
Russia has also sent a warning to the West with numerous shows of strength over the past few months.
A Royal Navy warship shadowed a Russian submarine as it passed through the English Channel on 8 May 2017.
In April, HMS Sutherland escorted two Russian warships as they sailed close to UK territorial waters.
Brit ships also raced to escort a huge Russian convoy led by aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov as it headed past Dover towards the Syrian coast back in October 2016.
Both the RAF and US Air Force have also had to intercept Russian bombers that flew too close to the US and UK borders on at least five occasions over the past year.
What has Russia said about nuclear war?
Putin's military bosses warned Pentagon missiles in Europe and warships patrolling Russia's borders could lead to nuclear war.
The anti-ballistic missile system (ABM) is provoking a "new arms race" and scuppers Russia's ability to defend itself from a nuke strike, they said.
Russian military bosses warned the US ABM shield "lowers the threshold for use of nuclear weapons" and increases the risk of "sudden nuclear attack".
Putin has also intervened in the worsening crisis over dictator Kim Jong-un's nuclear programme and threat of war in the Korean Peninsula.
He urged Trump to show “restraint” over North Korea amid increasing tensions.
What happened at the Victory Day parade?
Putin staged a monster military parade showcasing Russia’s huge firepower in Moscow.
The Victory Day parade featured tanks, intercontinental ballistic missiles and troops in tight formation.
It was part of celebrations marking the anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany at the end of World War Two.
Putin warned his Russian army can "repel any potential aggression" after 10,000 troops marched through the Red Square.
One senior military commander said the march and fly-past would make foreign foes “salivate”.
What destructive weapons does Russia have?
The 'Father Of All Bombs'
- Putin boasts an even bigger bomb in his arsenal than Trump’s mighty ‘Mother Of All Bombs’.
- Officially known as the Aviation Thermobaric Bomb of Increased Power – Putin’s mega-weapon has been dubbed the ‘Father Of All Bombs’.
- It is reportedly four times bigger than the MOAB, carrying 44 tonnes of TNT and explodes in the same way as the US bomb.
- Due to the sheer number of explosives crammed inside it causes similar blast damage to that of a nuclear weapon.
‘Satan 2’ Stealth Nuke
- Russia claims to have tested a nuclear weapon which is so powerful it could reportedly destroy a whole country in seconds.
- The missile, which has been dubbed ‘Satan 2’, is rumoured to be the most powerful ever designed which could obliterate an area the size of Texas or France.
- It is equipped with stealth technology to help it dodge enemy radar systems.
What would happen if Russia launches an atomic weapon?
A Russian MP has warned that Britain would be "literally erased from the face of the earth" in a nuclear war.
In a strong public rebuke, Franz Klintsevich said the UK would be unable to withstand a nuclear strike.
“If the threat is directed against Russia or China then it is a simple fact that Britain will not be able to withstand an appropriate response from another nuclear power,” he said.
“In view of the recent modernization of the Russian military, such claims are simply unprofessional."
His warning came after Michael Fallon claimed the UK would be willing to launch a pre-emptive strike "in extreme circumstances".
