Last week, we examined potential nuclear targets in the United States in the event of a full-scale war with Russia. This week, we turn the focus eastward to evaluate likely nuclear targets in Russia.

This analysis is designed to help the public understand what facilities and regions might be struck in a nuclear exchange, and to highlight the types of sites that are typically included in strategic targeting plans. While no list can ever be fully complete, our aim is to provide a resource that is both educational and informative, offering insight into how such targeting is shaped.

Types of Russian Nuclear Targets

As with U.S. planning, potential nuclear targets in Russia fall into several categories:

• Primary targets (counterforce & leadership): nuclear missile fields, strategic bomber bases, submarine facilities, and command-and-control centers. These are the first strike priorities intended to disable Russia’s ability to retaliate.
• Secondary targets (military & infrastructure): naval bases, interceptor and missile defense sites, space and communications facilities, refineries, and industrial hubs. These degrade Russia’s ability to sustain combat power and national recovery.
• Tertiary targets (countervalue & urban centers): major Russian cities, population centers, and economic infrastructure such as transportation hubs, power plants, and ports. These are intended to maximize pressure and reduce national resilience.

Geographic Coverage

The accompanying comprehensive datasheet identifies representative targets across Russia. These range from missile silos deep in the country’s interior to command facilities near Moscow, from naval bases on the Arctic and Pacific coasts to oil refineries and industrial complexes that fuel the Russian economy. Major metropolitan areas, with their concentration of population and infrastructure, also appear on the list.

Important Disclaimer

Due to the changing nature of military priorities, the availability of classified information, and the reliance on open-source analysis, this list cannot be considered exhaustive. Some sites included may not be actual targets, while other facilities of importance may not appear here. This dataset should therefore be viewed as a best-effort analysis intended to illustrate how nuclear targeting concepts are applied, not as a definitive strike plan.

Access the Full Datasheet

To see the full list of potential Russian nuclear targets, download the accompanying Excel spreadsheet available at:
👉 www.defconwarningsystem.com

This resource allows readers to explore the data in detail, broken down by category, geography, and target type.

Be safe. Be informed. Be prepared.
— The DEFCON Warning System