Leaked Documents Reveal Russia’s Plans for Missile Strikes on Western Europe

Russia had been preparing its naval forces for potential missile strikes against targets deep within Western Europe, including nuclear warheads, in the event of a conflict with NATO, according to documents reviewed by the Financial Times (FT). These revelations highlight the extent to which Moscow had planned for a broader conflict with the West, beyond its immediate borders.

The information comes from secret documents obtained by the Financial Times, reportedly provided by Western intelligence sources. These documents include detailed maps of potential targets, such as the western coast of France and Barrow-in-Furness in the United Kingdom.

The documents suggest that these preparations were made even before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, indicating a long-standing strategic consideration of Western Europe as a potential theatre of military operations.

The documents, which span from 2008 to 2014, include a list of targets for Russian missiles, which could carry either conventional warheads or tactical nuclear weapons. Notably, Russian military officers reportedly emphasised the advantages of using nuclear strikes early in a conflict. The files also detail how Russia envisioned a conflict with the West, planning for devastating strikes across Western Europe.

NATO’s Assessment Aligns with Russian Plans

Analysts familiar with the documents say they are consistent with NATO’s own assessment of the threat posed by Russia’s long-range naval missiles and the speed at which Russia might resort to nuclear weapons. The maps created for presentation purposes, rather than operational use, illustrate a selection of 32 NATO targets in Europe designated by the Russian navy.

Among these targets, Russia’s Baltic Fleet focused on locations primarily in Norway and Germany, including the naval base in Bergen and radar sites, as well as special forces facilities. This selection of targets underscores Russia’s intent to disable critical NATO infrastructure in the event of a conflict.

Tactical Nuclear Weapons Capabilities

Another critical aspect revealed by the leaked documents is Russia’s retained capability to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on surface ships, despite the 1991 agreement between the Soviet Union and the United States to eliminate such weapons. The documents list anti-submarine missiles with nuclear warheads deployed on surface ships and submarines, as well as ship- and shore-based anti-aircraft guided missiles with nuclear warheads designed to destroy enemy air defence groups.

Recent military exercises ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which involved practising the use of tactical nuclear weapons, indicate that the secret documents obtained by FT remain relevant to current Russian military doctrine.

In June, the Russian armed forces conducted drills involving the loading of Soviet-era P-270 anti-ship cruise missiles onto a Tarantul-class corvette in Kaliningrad, a region where NATO officials believe undeclared stockpiles of tactical nuclear warheads are kept.

International Reactions and NATO’s Response

The revelations have heightened concerns in the West about Russia’s military ambitions and its readiness to use nuclear weapons. The U.S. Department of State in July pledged to closely monitor Russia’s actions amid new threats from Kremlin officials regarding the deployment of nuclear missiles.

In response to these threats, during a NATO summit in Washington, it was disclosed that the United States and Germany had agreed to deploy, among other systems, Tomahawk missiles in Germany. This move is aimed at bolstering NATO’s deterrence capabilities and protecting its member states.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, on 13th July, warned that European capitals could become “potential” targets if European countries agree to host American long-range missiles. This rhetoric echoes the strategic concerns outlined in the leaked documents, further underscoring the heightened tension between Russia and NATO.

These disclosures from the Financial Times provide a sobering look at Russia’s military strategy and its potential implications for European security. The detailed preparations for missile strikes against Western Europe, including the possible use of nuclear weapons, reveal the seriousness with which Russia views its confrontation with NATO.

Image source: FT

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