Russia's laser weapon threat and Nazi ‘wonder weapon': all you need to know

Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has scoffed at a claim made by Russia. The invading country's promise of using nuclear-powered laser weaponry to shoot down drones in Ukraine was called a nonexistent 'wonder weapon' by Zelenskyy.

'Wonder weapon' is a reference to a propaganda invention of the Nazis who claimed to be in possession of the weapon that would change things for the Axis power.

But such a weapon didn't exist and Zelenskyy claims the same is true of Russia's promised laser weapon.

Yuri Borisov, Russia's deputy Prime Minister, told the media recently that the new 'Zadira' weapon could destroy targets up to 5 km away and incinerate drones in 5 seconds during a test.

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Reports say that such weapons are indeed being developed. They are, however, either just in the development stage or exist as prototypes, not yet cleared for use.

Israel last month had said that they successfully tested such a weapon. The Israeli PM said that it may sound like science fiction but it is real.

Analysts say for the weapons developed by Russia to become truly effective, it would need to step up production of the weapon. With the current numbers, the weapon won't make much difference.

Another has highlighted the threat it would pose if it indeed is nuclear-powered, as rumoured. If Ukraine targets the installations, it could lead to a small nuclear disaster.