Maps from NuclearSecrecy.com illustrate the catastrophic damage a Russian nuclear strike would inflict on Europe's 10 largest capital cities, according to an analysis by the Daily Express. The tool, called Nuke Map, was created by Alex Wellerstein, a science and nuclear weapons professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology.
Worst-Case Scenario for Major Capitals
The analysis assumes a worst-case scenario where Russia drops an 800-kiloton Topol SS-25 warhead, currently in its arsenal, on each city. The 10 cities range from Paris to Berlin, Rome and Amsterdam, but exclude London's suburbs.
For London, a strike on Westminster in Central London would be "predictably catastrophic," according to the report. Berlin, as a key EU member that has increased defence spending, could be a prime target. Madrid is highlighted because Donald Trump targeted Spain for refusing to increase defence spending, calling for a halt of all trade and later signing a diesel deal with Russia.
Blast Zones and Their Effects
The Nuke Map breaks down damage into four zones per city. The orange zone represents the "maximum size of the nuclear fireball," where anything inside is "effectively vapourised." The next zone, the 'moderate blast damage radius,' would collapse buildings and start fires, with the map stating: "At 5 psi overpressure, most residential buildings collapse, injuries are universal, fatalities are widespread."
In Kyiv, the third zone, shown in yellow, would cause "third degree burns" that "extend throughout the layers of skin," potentially requiring amputation. Kyiv is described as an obvious target in a nuclear escalation, already under regular missile attacks.
Growing War Fears Across Europe
The analysis comes as the head of the army, General Sir Roly Walker, told Sky News that "every" citizen will be "asked to make sacrifices" and play their part in defence. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been warned that the UK faces an "inevitable" Russian attack over its support for Ukraine.
European countries have increased defence spending following Russian airspace violations and strikes on tankers in territorial waters. Key allies are also beginning to reduce reliance on American influence as Donald Trump's US increasingly aligns with Russia.
Every major Western government has contingencies in place for nuclear strikes on major cities, similar to pandemic planning.
