A Russian newspaper claimed Russia could kill thousands of people in Europe with a nuclear torpedo it soon plans to deploy.

Business Insider reported on the MK.ru story, which struck an ominous tone.

"Russia will soon deploy an underwater nuclear-powered drone which will make the whole multi-billion dollar system of U.S. missile defense useless," the Moscow-based newspaper wrote.

"An explosion of the drone's nuclear warhead will create a wave of between 400-500 meters high, capable of washing away all living things 1,500 kilometers inland."

A Russian professor was quoted in the story as saying, "If Europe will behave badly, just send a mini-nuclear powered submarine there with a 200-megaton bomb on board, put it in the southern part of the North Sea, and 'let rip' when we need to. What will be left of Europe?"

Business Insider's report cited a BBC News translation of the Russian-language story.

Russia unveiled its "Poseidon" nuclear torpedo last year, a 100-megaton bomb that would be deployed on a robot submarine. It is unclear if the weapons system discussed in the story is the same one.

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