'
A senior Russian politician has sparked alarm by naming Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone, as one of 23 UK sites that could be targeted if conflict erupts between Russia and European nations.
Former Deputy Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin identified the locations, which reportedly all host facilities supplying weapons or military equipment.
Fivemiletown is home to Cooneen Defence, described as the “largest supplier of uniform to the UK Ministry of Defence and supplier to multiple other European militaries.” The town, with a population of around 1,300, is otherwise considered sleepy and peaceful.
The Devastating Impact of a Nuclear Strike
Experts warn that a nuclear attack on Fivemiletown would be catastrophic. Anyone in the immediate area would likely be killed instantly, depending on the size of the warhead.
Survivors at greater distances could suffer fatal burns, injuries from debris, or radiation poisoning.
A radioactive cloud could spread across large swathes of Northern Ireland, depending on wind and weather conditions.
Credit: Contributor/Getty Images.
Sinn Fein councillor Sheamus Greene commented (via the Belfast Telegraph): “It’s strange that a small town like Fivemiletown is involved in global politics between Russia and the West. It’s one more reason why the six counties in the north should unite with the south, as then we would live in a neutral country and would not be at risk from Russian attack.”
Local councillor Victor Warrington added: “When Russia says Fivemiletown is a target and it comes from a senior Russian source, we have to listen to it. But I wonder does he realise that in the grand scheme of things this is a small town, and Cooneen produces uniforms and armour for the military, and not weapons.”
Reactions among residents were mixed. Eileen Farren said: “Vladimir Putin is capable of anything and I would take any threat seriously.” Elinor Keyes expressed faith: “God is our reference and our strength, God has me in his hands and I’ve no need to be scared.” Jonathan Thon dismissed it as “scare mongering.”
Belfast and Key Military Targets
Belfast is also listed among potential targets, including the Harland and Wolff shipyard and Thales, a weapons manufacturer. Thales produces rocket launchers that were crucial to Ukraine’s defense during the early stages of the war. Harland and Wolff builds ships for the Royal Navy and, in 2023, was contracted to support the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Experts warn that even a small nuclear strike on Belfast could result in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread injuries. Hospitals like the Royal and City could be destroyed, leaving survivors without critical care.
Why Small Towns Like Fivemiletown Are on the List
Joanne Stocker, former editor of the Defence Post, said that targeting small towns near military suppliers is consistent with Russia’s history.
“From its bloody campaigns in Ukraine and Syria we know that Russia has no qualms about targeting civilians,” she said. “Including a (Tyrone) town on a kill list because it’s home to a defence company that makes uniforms, not even offensive weapons, shows they are content for ordinary people to die if there is an all-out war with Europe.”
Rogozin, who has a history of unverified claims, has previously expressed skepticism about the Apollo 11 Moon landing and warned that international sanctions could destabilize the International Space Station.
He has served as senator for the Russian-occupied Zaporozhye Oblast since September 2023 and was Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the defence industry from 2011 to 2018.
Credit: Contributor/Getty Images.
Russia’s Nuclear Threats
Under new policies introduced by President Vladimir Putin, Russia has declared that an attack from a non-nuclear state, if supported by a nuclear power, will be treated as an assault on Russia itself.
In October 2025, Russia tested a nuclear-powered “super-torpedo” capable of generating radioactive tsunamis to devastate coastal cities, Reuters detailed. Kremlin-aligned TV host Dmitry Kiselyov even simulated a 100-megaton nuclear bomb detonating off Donegal, showing a tidal wave spreading across Ireland and the UK.
As tensions rise, the identification of both major cities and small towns like Fivemiletown on Russia’s alleged strike list highlight the potential reach of conflict. Security experts warn that even towns not producing offensive weapons could face devastating consequences in a nuclear confrontation.