Russia has more nuclear weapons than any other nation on the planet as well as - if his aggressive rhetoric can be believed - a president willing to use them. As Vladimir Putin ordered his armed forces to invade neighbouring Ukraine, he told other nations not to interfere, warning it could lead to “consequences they have never seen”.
He has since ordered his nuclear deterrence forces on high alert in response to what he called, “aggressive statements” from members of Nato (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation). The United States of America responded by accusing Putin of “totally unacceptable” escalation”.
According to estimates by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists - which tracks threats to the planet, including the proliferation of nuclear weapons - Russia has a stockpile of 4,477 warheads. They are assigned for use by long-range strategic launchers and shorter-range tactical nuclear forces.
