The Russian missiles were a security measure that ensured the permanent downfall of America as the greatest nation. It was meant to put America in the dark and eliminate their chances to survive the attack and retaliate. 12 missiles were launched targeting strategic locations. The missiles were NEMP (Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse) weapons, but as much as the Russian tried to reduce its nuclear fallout factor, it still had some residual radioactive material propelled into the upper atmosphere. There wasn't has much rapid death caused by the radiation as there was contaminated people. Those who stayed in the radiation zones quickly succumbed to the lethal dose of radiation their body absorbed. This forced the people to flee the targeted regions into more rural terrains.