A leaked Russian “doomsday” map has identified seven strategic U.S. sites as potential nuclear targets amid rising global tensions, fueling fears of an imminent World War III. The locations include the Pentagon in Virginia, Camp David in Maryland, Jim Creek Naval Radio Station in Washington, Fort Ritchie (near the Raven Rock emergency bunker), McClellan Air Force Base in California, Kirtland AFB in New Mexico, and the Pantex plant in Texas. Though some sites are decommissioned, their historical and symbolic importance may still hold strategic value. This development comes as U.S. involvement in global conflicts deepens, especially its support for Ukraine and its stance against Iran, prompting strong condemnation from the Kremlin.
Russian officials have warned that continued U.S. military backing in Ukraine and involvement in Middle Eastern tensions with Iran may be seen as direct NATO aggression. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed the risk of nuclear disaster, especially following Israeli strikes on Iranian missile installations and Iran’s alleged hypersonic missile retaliation. Meanwhile, Russia is cautiously avoiding direct military action in the Middle East but continues voicing strong support for Iran. Analysts believe Moscow’s current restraint reflects its ongoing focus on Ukraine and a desire to maintain diplomatic leverage. However, Russia’s warnings and mapping of nuclear targets underline increasingly fragile geopolitical alignments and the sharpening divide between global powers. With the specter of Cold War-style hostilities returning, diplomatic tensions are nearing a breaking point.
