A chilling simulation has revealed what could happen in the first 30 minutes of a nuclear war between the United States and Russia, and the outcome is devastating.
The scenario shows how quickly events would unfold, with U.S. missiles able to launch within minutes of a presidential order, and submarine-based weapons reaching targets in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.
The U.S. arsenal includes powerful Trident II ballistic missiles, capable of traveling at extreme speeds and carrying multiple nuclear warheads aimed at key Russian targets.
However, the simulation also highlights how fast Russia could respond. Its systems are believed to be capable of launching a retaliatory strike within seconds, ensuring that any attack would trigger immediate counteraction.
One of the most alarming elements is Russia’s reported “Dead Hand” system, a semi-automated mechanism designed to launch nuclear weapons even if leadership is wiped out.
The consequences would be catastrophic. A study cited in the simulation estimates that 34.1 million people could die within hours, with tens of millions more injured.
Beyond the immediate destruction, experts warn of long-term effects, including a nuclear winter caused by smoke blocking sunlight, leading to massive drops in global temperatures and widespread famine.
Some projections suggest that billions could eventually die from starvation, as agriculture collapses across large parts of the world.
The simulation ultimately reinforces a grim reality often described as mutually assured destruction — meaning that once a nuclear war begins, there may be no true winner.
