A Russian TV channel broadcasted a terrifying simulation demonstrating how it could destroy Europe with nuclear weapons in just 200 seconds.
This isn’t the first time the Kremlin has used its state-run media to pedal propaganda for its attack on Ukraine, with many channels and publications being forced to shut down after a law was passed criminalising any opposition to Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
As the conflict enters its 67th day, many have been left fearful that Russia will turn to nuclear weaponry, with Putin previously threatening to deploy 'lightning fast' missile attacks if the west intervenes.
While many people hope it doesn’t turn to this, Channel One’s 60 Minutes – one of Russia’s most popular shows – released a clip simulating nuclear strikes on three major European cities, leaving no survivors.
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Russian politician Aleksey Zhuravlyov spoke on the programme where he said ‘one Sarmat missile and the British Isles will be no more’.
The producers then showed a map demonstrating how missiles launched from Kaliningrad, Russia's enclave on the Baltic Sea, would strike Berlin in 106 seconds, Paris in 200 seconds and London in 202 seconds.
Host Evgeny Popov pointed out that since the UK also has nuclear weapons, a retaliation would mean no one would survive the war.
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“No one will survive in this war when you propose the strike with a Sarmat,” he said. “Do you understand that no one will survive? No one on the planet.”
But Zhuravlyov doubled down on his position and said the missiles ‘can’t be intercepted’, adding: “Their abilities are limited. They say they can shoot it down, we’ll see about that.”
Putin previously spoke of the nation's cache of modern weaponry, including the Sarmat missile, which was tested last week and has since been dubbed 'Satan 2'.
The devastating nuclear rocket can fly up to 18,000 kms and carry 15 warheads, according to recent analysis by the Washington Post, and could decimate an area the size of Great Britain.
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However, Julia Davies, creator of Russian Media Monitor, shared the clip with western viewers on Twitter and described the nuclear threat as an act of desperation.
“Russian TV keeps threatening nuclear strikes against Western nations, desperately trying to deter them from continuing to help Ukraine,” she wrote.
“On a side note, this is the first state TV host who doesn’t seem to be eager to die for the Motherland, arguing with a trigger-happy lawmaker.”
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Topics: World News, Vladimir Putin, Ukraine, Russia