A CHILLING nuclear war simulator has revealed how a Russian nuclear strike could trigger a global conflict, killing 35 million people in just a matter of hours. The model predicts a catastrophic war escalating from an initial Russian nuclear strike, which quickly draws in other powers. Alex GlaseA grim simulation has revealed how quickly a nuclear war could escalate[/caption] Alex GlaseThe model predicts that almost 35 million people would die in a matter of hours[/caption] Alex GlaseThe catastrophic war would quickly engulf Europe[/caption] Known as “Plan A”, the four-minute animation aims to highlight the horrific potential consequences of conflict between Russia and NATO countries. It was created by Princeton University researchers working with the Program on Science and Global Security. The model predicts that almost 35 million people would die within hours – many of those in the first 45 minutes. Such a devastating conflict would then leave a further 56 million injured – not including later deaths from nuclear fallout and other effects. READ MORE ON NUCLEAR WAR PUTIN IT ON Putin fires assault rifle in 'display of might' as he visits Russian conscripts NUKE READY? I created a 'nuclear war survival kit' - here are seven items EVERYBODY needs The simulation begins with a conventional, non-nuclear conflict between Russia and the US/NATO. Moscow fires a warning nuclear shot from a Black Sea base, aiming to halt the US advance. NATO in response targets Russia with a single tactical nuclear air strike. After this, the conflict quickly escalates, with Russia pounding NATO bases and advancing troops with some 300 nukes, carried either by aircraft or short-range missiles. Most read in News BATTLE FOR NO10 Max of 3 MPs will fight for No10 - and we could have a new PM by MONDAY surely not? 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This is the most serious crisis with a potential nuclear dimension involving Russia and the United States/NATO since the end of the Cold War Dr Alex GlaserProgram on Science and Global Security In the final phase of the conflict, both sides would target each other’s 30 largest cities and economic centres with between five and 10 nukes for each one, to try and prevent the other side from recovering after the war. Such a drastic move, the Princeton researchers believe, would lead to a further 85 million casualties within the space of 45 minutes. The video was originally released in 2017 but has gained fresh attention in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February this year. Dr Alex Glaser, who helped create the simulation, told Newsweek: “As far as one can tell, this is the most serious crisis with a potential nuclear dimension involving Russia and the United States/NATO since the end of the Cold War, even if the risk of a nuclear war is still considered ‘small’ – as many analysts would argue. “A crisis like the one we are currently facing often results in miscommunication between parties, exacerbated by the fact that there remain very few active lines of communication between Russia and the US/NATO.” Alex GlaseThe ominous video shows how the US would then get involved[/caption] APThere are fears Putin’s finger is inching closer to the nuclear button[/caption] The Plan A simulation was originally prepared for an exhibition at Princeton’s Bernstein Gallery in 2017, before being made available to the public via a YouTube video two years later. Its aim is to highlight the “potentially catastrophic” consequences of nuclear war between Russia and NATO. Although the model shows many countries avoiding a direct nuclear strike, the longer-term impacts of such nuclear attacks would be devastating for billions of people on earth. Experts previously warned that a world-ending nuclear war with Putin could wipe out five billion people worldwide, with nuclear fallout blocking out the sun for years resulting in catastrophic crop failures. Meanwhile, Brits have been urged to stockpile supplies while the government should distribute iodine tablets, according to defence experts. While a top British diplomat has warned that the world is currently at more risk of global conflict than at any time since WW2. Earlier this week, RAF fighters escorted a “nuke sniffer” plane over the Black Sea, amid fears mad Vlad may detonate a nuclear bomb as a warning to the West. Read More on The Sun surely not? Boris 'considering' unlikely bid to replace Truss as PM HOUSE ABOUT IT We bought our three-bedroom home for £1 and now it's worth £90k Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled to escort the Boeing RC-135 before sharply turning on themselves and heading back to NATO-friendly territory. While British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was scrambled to Washington amid mounting concerns that Putin will push the nuclear button. Help those fleeing conflict with The Sun’s Ukraine Fund PICTURES of women and children fleeing the horror of Ukraine’s devastated towns and cities have moved Sun readers to tears. Many of you want to help the five million caught in the chaos — and now you can, by donating to The Sun’s Ukraine Fund. Give as little as £3 or as much as you can afford and every penny will be donated to the Red Cross on the ground helping women, children, the old, the infirm and the wounded. Donate here to help The Sun’s fund Or text to 70141 from UK mobiles £3 — text SUN£3£5 — text SUN£5£10 — text SUN£10 Texts cost your chosen donation amount (e.g. £5) +1 standard message (we receive 100%). For full T&Cs visit redcross.org.uk/mobile The Ukraine Crisis Appeal will support people in areas currently affected and those potentially affected in the future by the crisis. In the unlikely event that the British Red Cross raise more money than can be reasonably and efficiently spent, any surplus funds will be used to help them prepare for and respond to other humanitarian disasters anywhere in the world. For more information visit https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/disaster-fund