Vladimir Putin deploys bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons near border of NATO country

Russia has deployed eleven bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons just a few kilometres from its border with a NATO country.

Vladimir Putin has deployed eleven bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons just a few kilometres from his border with the NATO country Norway.

The American satellite operator Planet Labs detected “an increased presence” of Russian Tu-160s and Tu-95 strategic bombers less than 32km from the Norwegian border.

A satellite image taken on October 7 shows seven Tu-160 bombers and four Tu-95 aircraft at the Russian air base Olenya on the Kolskyi Peninsula, The Sun reports.

Two days later, another image showed one of the Tu-160 bombers ready to take off on the runway.

Tu-160s, the largest and heaviest Mach 2 warplanes ever made, are capable of flying 12,070 kilometres non-stop without refuelling. They can carry up to 12 short-range nuclear missiles.

The satellite image showing Russian planes capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Picture: Planet Labs

And meanwhile, the Tu-95 strategic bombers – known as Bears – are some of the biggest aircraft in Putin’s air force, capable of hauling cruise missiles and massive nuclear bombs.

Earlier this month, Israeli intelligence firm ImageSat International spotted Russian bombers at an air base near the border with Finland.

According to the satellite images, obtained by The Jerusalem Post, four Tu-160s were seen at the base on August 21 and three Tu-95s were seen on September 25.

The Engels air base houses Russia’s only strategic bombers stationed near Ukraine and is home to the 121st Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment, which flies the Tu-160s and Tu-95s.

It comes amid mounting fears the Russian dictator might carry out his threats and unleash nuclear Armageddon.

NATO held a closed-door meeting yesterday as the alliance pressed ahead with plans for a nuclear exercise.

And meanwhile, Russia issued further apocalyptic warnings to both the West and Ukraine.

Putin is facing military disaster on the ground as his forces are pushed back across the frontline. But that has stoked fears he could do something stupid – and potentially even make good on his threats go nuclear.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Picture: Konstantin Zavrazhin/Sputnik/AFP

Ukraine has formally applied to join NATO, something which infuriated Russia.

“Kyiv is well aware that such a step would mean a guaranteed escalation to a World War III,” said Alexander Venediktov, deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council.

“The suicidal nature of such a step is understood by NATO members themselves.”

Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said: “We are committed to defending every inch of NATO’s territory – if and when it comes to that.”

Just this week, a bombshell report claimed Putin warned billionaire Elon Musk he would use nukes if Ukraine tried to retake Crimea. Mr Musk has denied speaking to the President.

And earlier this month, Putin promoted violent warlord Ramzan Kadyrov – who demanded Russia nuke Ukraine – to the position of general.

He has also positioned his ruthless “General Armageddon”, Sergey Surovkin, as head of the armed forces.

UK defence sources believe Putin might turn the war nuclear by detonating a bomb on the border in a message to the West.

And an expert has warned an apocalyptic Russian nuclear strike on Ukraine would be the final step on a devastating “ladder of escalation”.

Following the explosion of his prized Crimean bridge, Putin has repeatedly warned he would strike back with more devastating attacks, after branding Kyiv “nuclear terrorists”.

Russian Security Council deputy secretary Alexander Venediktov warned on Thursday that there would be a “guaranteed escalation to World War III” if Ukraine joined NATO.

This story first appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission.