It weighed about 10 tonnes when it entered the Earth's atmosphere and broke apart 30-50km (20-30 miles) above ground, according to Russia's Academy of Sciences, releasing several kilotons of energy - the equivalent of a small atomic weapon.

BBC: Russia sends clean-up team to meteorite-hit Urals

As for using energy as a weapon, this week's Ukrainian affair is a reminder of an old lesson: that sellers depend on buyers just as much as buyers on sellers.

ECONOMIST: Energy security

When operational, the weapon will fire projectiles at ranges in excess of 200 nautical miles (230 miles) and inflict damage through kinetic energy.

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