Russia has issued startling new threats to the EU and US in an interview, where it has said it is prepared to use the deadly Satan-2 hypersonic nuclear missile by the autumn.
The warning comes from Russia’s defence committee deputy chairman, Aleksey Zhuravlyov, who said their missile could reach the UK in “200 seconds” and Finland in "20 or 10 seconds”.
Russian officials have been voicing their discontent over the fact that Finland is prepared to join Nato.
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Speaking in an interview with state's TV Russia 1, Mr. Zhuravlyov said: “If Finland wants to join this bloc, then our goal is absolutely legitimate - to question the existence of this state. This is logical.
“If the United States threatens our state, it’s good: here is the Sarmat for you, and there will be nuclear ashes from you if you think that Russia should not exist.
“And Finland says that it is at one with the USA. Well, get in line.”
Russia revealed that its new warhead missile - which was tested last month and is known as the Satan 2 - has been created to target countries far away in a matter of minutes.
It is capable of carrying 10 nuclear warheads and decoys and could be deployed in the autumn according to recent threats.
The defence committee deputy chairman was probed on whether or not Russia would move its nuclear weapons closer to the border with Finland, to which he said: “What for? We don't need to.
“We can hit with a Sarmat from Siberia, and even reach the UK. And if we strike from Kaliningrad... the hypersonic's reaching time is 200 seconds - so go ahead, guys.
“On the Finnish border, we will have not strategic weapons, but Kinzhal-class, one that will reach Finland in 20 seconds, or even 10 seconds.”
Russia has condemned Finland’s plans to join Nato and warned that it would take “retaliatory steps” to stop it.
Mr Zhuravlyov claimed Finland’s route to join Nato is being coaxed by the US and the UK because he said: “The Finns have nothing to share with us. They receive more than 90pc gas, timber, and much more from us.
“Who needs fighting first of all? The Finns? They are not afraid that Russia is attacking them. Of course, sooner or later the Americans will force them to do so.
“Just as they forced Ukraine to do it, they are trying to force Poland and Romania. And, as practice shows, they succeed.”
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