Explained: Russia's nuclear stockpile and how it compares to other countries

Russia's pronouncement a few days after its invasion of Ukraine that it has put its nuclear forces on high alert had raised concerns globally.

The Putin govt has been clear that it will not hesitate from using its nuclear power if it perceives an 'existential threat' to the county or its people.

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Russia has world’s largest stockpile of nuclear warheads. According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia has 5,977 nuclear warheads - the devices that trigger a nuclear explosion. Out of them 1500 are retired or set to be dismantled.

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Out of the remaining over 4,500 warheads, most are considered strategic nuclear weapons - ballistic missiles, or rockets .These are the weapons usually associated with nuclear was they can be used to target over long distances.

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Nine countries in total have nuclear weapons - China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, the US and the UK are the other 8.

According to Federation of American Scientists, Russia has 5,977 nuclear warheads, the US has 5,428, China has 3590, France has 290, the UK has 225, Pakistan has 165, India has 160, Israel 90 and North Korea has 20.

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