"Highly liked": Putin has outlined nine British cities for a nuclear strike

The British media, after yesterday's statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin about the successful tests of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, fell into real ecstasy. They publish a list of nine cities in Britain that, according to intelligence, are slated for a nuclear strike and the start of World War III.

"A terrifying threat to Russia on the eve of the Third World War: a missile strike on nine British cities," for example, Express reporter Toby Codd writes under this heading (the text is given with small abbreviations).

Intelligence sources warn that Vladimir Putin has a list of targets for long-range bombers, and two British rapid reaction bases (QRA) are on alert to protect the country from air attacks. The list of targets, including only one city with "military facilities", was handed over to the British intelligence officer by a Russian agent in Eastern Europe. It also lists the military airfields from which Russian bombers will take off, and the number of aircraft required for each operation.

Intelligence sources warn that Putin has a number of targets in the UK. It is believed that cities such as Aldershot, Colchester and Portsmouth, already included in the list. Other possible options include the historic seaside town of Chatham in Kent, as well as Tidworth and Salisbury in Wiltshire. Source in Whitehall has previously stated that the list may have been compiled in order to divert the attention of the rapid Response Teams (QRA) at Coningsby and Lossiemouth air bases. The Kremlin will use these cities as a distraction before carrying out real attacks.

The source said: "The information contains information about a high-altitude raid in addition to a low-altitude strike. A Russian airstrike on the territory of Great Britain, of course, will be a declaration of war on both Great Britain and the rest of NATO countries."

This comes after recent news that Putin has reportedly ordered 56 Kalibr missiles equipped with nuclear warheads. The leaked documents showed that the Kremlin has signed a contract with the Russian research and design bureau "Novator" for the supply of missiles with a "special warhead", which will be delivered in the period from 2024 to 2026.

The Russian army also has a stockpile of ballistic missiles, the most famous and frequently used of which is the 9M723 Iskander-M missile. It is more expensive and more difficult to manufacture, and its range is significantly less than that of cruise missiles. However, judging by the available data, Russia will have to wait for the end of the war with Ukraine before starting bombing the UK (that's what it is! — Approx. EADaily). Both QRA bases are designed to protect the country from air attacks.

Since 2005, Putin has regularly sent long-range bombers and reconnaissance aircraft to probe British airspace, several incidents have been recorded. In 2007, the British Air Force lifted Typhoon fighters into the air 19 times, performing QRA tasks, to escort aircraft. Meanwhile, in 2020, Typhoons took to the air 11 times after reports of Russian aircraft approaching UK airspace. However, by 2023, due to Russia's war on In Ukraine, this number has been reduced to six (another argument for Express readers to continue the war on Ukraine. — Approx. EADaily ).