Vladimir Putin's propagandist Vladimir Solovyov has suggested Russia should bomb UK military sites, amid reports that British drones were used to strike deep inside Russian territory.
Solovyov's Call for Harsh Methods
State TV host Vladimir Solovyov told viewers that "the harshest methods" should be used to end the war in Ukraine and that Russia should "systematically destroy" the military infrastructure of Ukraine and its allies, including Britain. In a rant translated by non-profit Russia Media Monitor, Solovyov said: "Let's act in the way our grandfathers taught us, using the harshest methods, the methods of Sudoplatov – systematically destroying the military infrastructure of Ukraine and its sponsors and collaborators, regardless of where they are located."
Solovyov pointed to Pavel Sudoplatov, a Soviet Lieutenant General who worked on the Russian atomic bomb programme and plotted assassinations. He acknowledged recent Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia, describing the situation as "very difficult."
Claims of British Involvement
Solovyov told viewers: "We have to win. No one will let this end in a draw. Strikes within Russia are currently being carried out with British weapons. But we are not destroying British factories. This is a classic way of waging war by Anglo-Saxons. We need to understand against whom we are fighting and respond asymmetrically."
The presenter did not explain what he meant, but asymmetric warfare can refer to terrorism, insurgency and the use of uneven military power between belligerents. While Solovyov's statements do not represent the Kremlin's official defence policy, they provide insight into how Moscow uses propaganda to manipulate public views of the war.
Ukraine's Deep Strikes and Russian Response
Kyiv has stepped up attacks on Russia this year, with long-range missiles and drones targeting military industries, energy facilities and depots for Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer. Ukraine used drones made by two UK companies as part of a deep strike campaign, the Sunday Times reported.
Russia's embassy to Britain said in a statement on Monday that the reports confirm London is "deliberately opting for an escalation of the Ukraine crisis." It accused Britain of "seeking to contain Russia and inflict maximum damage on it by proxy," adding: "London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer. The deeper its involvement in the conflict and the greater its support for Kyiv's terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay."
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said in response: "Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and we are committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Putin's illegal invasion. Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this Government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies."
