MAPPED: The world's nuclear powers and the UNOFFICIAL nuclear threats
AS tensions grow between Russia and the US, fears are mounting that Vladimir Putin could spark World War Three. But which countries have deadly nuclear weapons?
Fears are growing that Russia could unleash nuclear war on the world
Mr Putin has ordered the evacuation of 40 million Russians, causing alarm bells across the world.
The mammoth “civil defence drill” is reportedly designed to prepare citizens for “large natural and man-made disasters”, although some have speculated it could be in preparation for a nuclear war.
Relations between Washington and the Kremlin have completely broken down over Russia’s intervention in the Syrian civil war.
US suspends Syria talks with Russia over Aleppo offensive
Our exclusive map reveals the 14 countries with nuclear weapons
Which countries have nuclear weapons?
There are up to 14 countries with nuclear weapons, only five of which are officially sanctioned by the UN. Britain, China, France, Russia and the US are designated nuclear weapon states under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) – an agreement designed to prevent the spread of warheads.
The US has provided weapons to Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey as part of NATO’s nuclear strategy. The warheads are guarded by US troops and remain under American control. However, during times of war, the bombs are to be mounted on the host nations warplanes, which could lead to them being deployed.
North Korea, India, Pakistan and Israel are all believed to have nuclear weapons. Pyongang withdrew from the NPT in 2003, while the other nations were never a part of the agreement.
How many nuclear weapons does Russia have?
Russia has by the largest nuclear arsenal by far with 7,500 warheads according to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), 1780 of which are ready to be detonated.
Mr Putin has access to 1780 active warheads
Five European nations hold US-owned nuclear weapons
How many nuclear weapons does North Korea have?
Very little is known about North Korea’s weapons programme outside of the five tests it has conducted.
The FAS estimates that the state has around 10 warheads – but it is known that they are able to produce new devices very quickly.
Kim Jong-un is believed to have access to around 10 nuclear weapons
Which country has the most nuclear weapons?
Russia has the most nuclear weapons followed by the US with 7200, according to the FAS.
The US has more bombs ready to be detonated – 2080 – compared to 1780 in Russia.
Far behind the two mammoth nations is France with 300 devices, followed by China (260) and the UK, whose Trident programme carries 215 weapons.
The FAS believes that Pakistan has at least 120 warheads, India 110 and Israel around 80.
Nuclear war could cause mass devastation
How many nuclear weapons are there?
Overall, there are around 15,350 nuclear warheads across the world. The actual total is unknown, as exact numbers are closely held national secrets.
Of these, around 10,000 are stockpiled and waiting for dismantlement as part of a drive by the UK, US and China to reduce the number of nuclear weapons ongoing since the Cold War.