These Remote U.S. Regions Could Face the Greatest Nuclear Threat

"The Russian invasion of Ukraine has rattled nerves across the world, especially as the United States and its NATO allies have provided funding, training, and advanced weaponry to Ukraine. Most recently, as of mid-to-late 2025, some NATO members (not all) have permitted limited Ukrainian strikes into Russian territory using Western-supplied weapons, mainly for defensive counterstrikes near the border. Some fear this could escalate into a nuclear exchange between Russia"

"Several American cities are considered the most likely targets in the event of an all-out nuclear war. Most of the US nuclear arsenal and other strategic military targets are located in rural areas. In the event of a counterforce strike, these would be in greater danger of attack than the urban areas. Also: 2 Dividend Legends To Hold Forever The Russian invasion of Ukraine"

Most U.S. strategic nuclear assets and associated military targets are situated in rural and isolated locations, increasing local vulnerability during counterforce strikes. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Western support, including limited permission for Ukrainian strikes into Russian territory as of mid-to-late 2025, have raised concerns about possible escalation toward nuclear exchange. Nuclear targeting distinguishes countervalue attacks on cities from counterforce attacks on military infrastructure, though planning often blends both approaches. Initial counterforce strikes can still produce large civilian casualties via blast effects. Not all rural areas are at risk; primary danger zones are those near military targets, including isolated regions such as Hawaii and Alaska. U.S. capability to intercept ICBMs is limited, reducing protective options for potential targets.

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