Vladimir Putin's close ally has urged Moscow to "bomb the hell" out of Norway and "spit on NATO" after Norwegian authorities seized a Russian vessel. As part of a global effort to seize Russian assets, the Norwegian authorities seized the vessel in the remote Arctic archipelago of Svalbard at the request of Ukraine.
Kremlin propaganda calls for escalation
The action has triggered strong condemnation from Russia, with Putin comparing it to "state terrorism". Now one of Putin's most influential propagandists has called for an "escalation" in hostilities, adding that a "war is underway anyhow".
In a recent televised broadcast shared by monitoring group Russian Media Monitor, Pro-Kremlin TV host Vladimir Solovyov claimed "Norway's size is perfect for one bomb". This comes just days after he suggested on his state TV programme that Russia could invade or attack Germany.
Threats to seize ship and target NATO
Solovyov also demanded that Norwegians should be "grabbed and arrested". He said: "Our navy should be sent there to get the ship back by force. If the need be, involve aviation in it. NATO wants something there? We spit on NATO. Bomb the hell out of it. A war is underway anyhow. I'm calling for such a level of escalation."
"I think that if there is anything within our reach that relates to Norway after these low life arrested our ship as per the demands of the shady Ukrainian Nazi structures they should be grabbed and arrested", Solovyov added.
Tirade against Norway and Britain
The prominent state broadcaster then launched a blistering tirade against Norway, slamming them as having a population "no bigger than a spitbull". He then seemingly proceeded to look up the country on his phone and said the "networks are giving me a laughable response". "Send our troops to the border. On your knees critters. Norway's size is fit for one bomb", said Solovyov.
Earlier this week Solovyov made his feelings towards Britain clear following the UK's decision to provide Ukraine with Storm Shadow blueprints, which are capable of hitting targets around 150 miles (241km) into Russia. Solovyov said: "We don't need to attack them, we need to destroy them. No need to attack, we should destroy them." He asserted that since Britain is "openly participating in attacks against Russia" they "won't have to ask why they were struck".
