RUSSIA is holding a massive evacuation drill for more than 40million people to prepare for nuclear war.

More than 200,000 emergency services personnel and soldiers will use 50,000 pieces of equipment during the massive civil defence exercise.

6 Moscow claims the US is becoming more aggressive towards Russia. File picture Credit: Getty Images

The former Soviet nation is ramping up fears over nuclear war and blaming the West for the unsettling possibility of a conflict.

As international tension builds following attacks in Syria, Russian state officials are preparing terrified citizens for a nuclear war - which they say would be started by America.

Today's exercise is being run by EMERCOM, Russia's Emergencies Ministry.

6 More than 200,000 emergency services personnel are involved in the exercise. File picture Credit: Getty Images

Civil Defence Department director Oleg Manuilov told Interfax: "Training will be held from October 4 to 7 and will be attended by more than 40 million people, more than 200 thousand professionals rescue units and 50 thousand pieces of equipment."

As international tension builds following attacks in Syria, Russian state officials are preparing terrified citizens for a nuclear war - which they say would be started by America.

6 Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures at a conference of international news agencies and journalists in Moscow in September, discussing Iran's need for nuclear weapons Credit: AP:Associated Press

6 Arkhangelsk, one of Russia's largest Typhoon-type Soviet-built nuclear subs Credit: AP:Associated Press

The fear that the West is set for war with Russia is being spread throughout media reports and official statements.

One headline on the website Zvezda last week read "Schizophrenics from America are sharpening nuclear weapons for Moscow" - claiming the US wanted to punish Russia over challenges in the Middle East.

EMERCOM announced on Friday that underground shelters which could fit the entire population of Moscow - 12 million - if war broke out.

6 Putin meets with US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in China last month Credit: Reuters

At a level of constant fear of devastating attacks from America, Moscow has carried out at least two nuclear attack drills since Vladimir Putin became the president again in 2012.

Russia currently has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons with 8,400, and a section of its nuclear doctrine which allows for use of the weapons if there is a vague suggestion of a threat.

America has 7,500 warheads, considerably less.

RELATED STORIES Live Blog 'BLOW UP THE SYSTEM' CNN's Don Lemon says electoral college should be scrapped SWITCHING SIDES John McCain's widow endorses Biden over claims Trump called troops 'losers' Live Blog BIG CHILL Brace yourself for BRUTAL Autumn with 'heavy, persistent' rain & cold weather Live Blog OUT OF IT 1,000s of Brits' bank accounts CLOSED if there's no Brexit trade deal with the EU Live Blog VIRUS UPDATE Boris warns of 2nd NATIONAL lockdown if tough new plan fails to stop spread TRAGIC FIND Body found in hunt for pregnant woman, 33, who vanished before her ultrasound

In the past Dmitry Kiselyov, head of Russia's main news agency, has said only Russia would be able to turn the US into "radioactive ash".

The nerves surrounding Russia's fears of attack have grown from comments made by Ash Carter, the US secretary of defence, who said the Pentagon was reviewing its "nuclear playbook" to ensure against "terrible attacks" by Russia.

Confrontation with the West, and a willingness to continue the rift, is said to be something those in Putin's inner circle are encouraging.

It has previously been reported that Putin is preparing for war with the West.

6 General Director of the Rossiya Segodnya international news agency Dmitry Kiselev has boasted Russia could turn the US into 'radioactive ash' Credit: Getty Images

The Russian president has invested heavily in decking out top secret facilities around Moscow in the event of war.

He has even ordered the building of a 400-square mile facility in the remote wastes of the Ural mountains from where any future conflict could be directed.

Satellite images reveal the location of the huge centre near Mount Yamantau.

This week the White House suspended contact with Russia over Syria.

US officials ran out of patience with the Kremlin on Monday, when the US State Department announced bilateral discussions would not continue.

The move was threatened last week by Secretary of State John Kerry, who was enraged by a number of airstrikes on rebel-controlled areas of Aleppo.

Hundreds of innocents are believed to have been killed in attacks on the city in recent weeks.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368.