US releases new nuclear attack guidelines in wake of Ukraine invasion and gets mocked for social distancing & mask rules
THE United States' updated nuclear attack guidelines were mocked for including social distancing and mask-wearing rules.
The revised policies come after Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded his nuclear force be put on high alert amid economic sanctions against Moscow.
One section on Ready.gov asks Americans to find the nearest building to avoid radiation.
However, the government's guidelines were dragged by social media users for including Covid protocols.
After seeking shelter in the nearest building, the next step tells Americans to "stay inside for 24 hours unless local authorities provide other instructions.
"Continue to practice social distancing by wearing a mask and by keeping a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who not part of your household," the website explains.
Several Twitter users ripped the steps saying, "Covid will be the least of our worries."
"FEMA really updated its nuclear explosion guidelines with covid guidelines lmao...... trust me.... If we ever experience a nuclear explosion.... covid, (which it is even now) will be the least of our worries," one person wrote.
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A second critic said: "FEMA just updated their guidelines for a nuclear strike on us. They recommend social distancing in shelters. I’m serious. 🤡."
"Because COVID is really the thing we need to worry about when we are struck with nuclear warfare," another user said.
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A fourth person commented: "In the event of nuclear war, FEMA wants to make sure we worry about Covid."
LAUNCH READINESS
The Russian tyrant is said to be "furious" he's not been able to subdue Ukraine and lashed out at NATO for its "unfriendly measures," which he says forced him into the chilling nuclear gamble.
In an address on state TV, Putin claimed aggressive statements by NATO leaders and economic sanctions against Moscow have forced his hand.
He said, "not only do Western countries take unfriendly measures" such as "illegal sanctions" but "top officials of leading NATO countries allow themselves to make aggressive statements with regards to our country."
Putin said he has now ordered his military command to put Russia's deterrence forces - a reference to units including nuclear arms - on high alert.
"I order the defense minister and the chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces to put the deterrence forces of the Russian army into a special mode of combat service," Putin said.
Ahead of his invasion of Ukraine, Putin chillingly warned Russia is "today one of the most powerful nuclear powers."
"To anyone who would consider interfering from outside - if you do, you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history," he said.
In response, the US rejected Putin's claims and its Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, called his move "unacceptable".
"It means that President Putin is continuing to escalate this war in a manner that is totally unacceptable, and we have to continue to stem his actions in the strongest possible way," she said.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Putin's response was familiar and "we've seen him do this time and time again."
"At no point has Russia been under threat from Nato, has Russia been under threat from Ukraine," she said.
"This is all a pattern from President Putin, and we're going to stand up to it."
NATO Secretary-General condemned what he said was Putin's "dangerous rhetoric," adding his behavior was "irresponsible".
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Latest in Ukraine...
- Ukrainian troops have destroyed a convoy of Russian special forces made up of Chechen fighters
- Fierce fighting has been taking place in Kharkiv where Ukrainian commanders say they are in "full control"
- A blitz from Russian forces to hold a crucial road junction five miles west of Kyiv city centre was beaten off
- Soldiers thought to have been killed after telling Russians to "go f**k yourselves" may still be alive
- Missiles rained down on the country in the fourth night of war
- Western allies agreed to boot Russian banks out of the Swift system
- Roman Abramovich gave up control of Chelsea football club
- Freedom fighters from around the world were invited to join Ukraine’s army today and take on Putin's troops.
- A former Miss Ukraine "has taken up arms" to fight against the Russian invasion
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