After Russia invaded Ukraine, tensions between Vladimir Putin’s government and Western countries got really high. People are worried that there might be a big war, maybe even with nuclear weapons. Russian propaganda is making people scared in Europe. Some experts think Russia might attack the UK with nuclear bombs, but they say it might not be where people think.
The Mirror report says that usually big cities like London are thought to be the main targets for nuclear attacks because they’re important for money, politics, and symbolize the country. But now, experts think Putin might want to attack places that are important for the military instead of just where people live.
One possible place in the UK that Russia might target with nuclear bombs is the Faslane Naval Base in Scotland. This base is where the Royal Navy’s Trident nuclear submarines are kept, and it’s really important for the UK’s nuclear defense. If Putin attacks here, it could make it hard for the UK to fight back against nuclear threats, giving Russia more power.
Another place that could be a target is RAF Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire. This is a place where the UK and the United States gather intelligence and spy on communications worldwide. If Russia destroys this place, it could mess up Western intelligence and make the UK more open to attacks.
The Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant in Cumbria could also be a target because it deals with nuclear waste and makes plutonium for military purposes. If Russia hits Sellafield, it could cause really bad environmental problems and make people sick for a long time around there. Plus, if they mess up the plant, it could make it hard for the UK to make more nuclear fuel, which would weaken its ability to defend itself even more.
Also, places like the Port of Felixstowe and the Channel Tunnel, which are really important for trading and moving military stuff, could be targets too. If these places get attacked, it could make it hard for the UK to bring in important things and send out soldiers, which would make it weaker against Russia.
Even though big cities like London and Manchester could still be targets, the way wars are fought nowadays means Putin might focus on other places first. If he goes after military bases, spy centers, and important places like ports, he could hurt the UK’s ability to defend itself without hurting as many regular people.
With the threat of a big war with nuclear weapons getting scarier, the UK needs to be ready and make its defenses stronger against Russia. It’s important to try talking and making peace, but the UK also has to be ready for the worst. By figuring out which places are most at risk and making them stronger, the UK can lower the chance of a really bad nuclear attack and keep itself safe in a world that’s getting more and more unsure.