Vladimir Putin's leading TV propagandist, Vladimir Solovyov, has called for a nuclear strike on Britain during a primetime state television broadcast, escalating fears of World War 3. The threat follows reports that UK drones have been used by Ukraine to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.
UK Drones Used in Strikes on Russia
On Tuesday, Moscow threatened the UK with 'consequences' over reports that British drones have been used by Ukraine in strikes on Russia's mainland for the first time. Russia's embassy to the UK said in a statement that the reports 'confirm that London is deliberately opting for an escalation of the Ukraine crisis'.
The embassy accused Britain of 'seeking to contain Russia and inflict maximum damage on it by proxy'. It added: '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 responded: '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.'
Solovyov Demands Poseidon Strike
Solovyov demanded that British arms factories be targeted with Poseidon, Russia's underwater nuclear drone which is reportedly near completion. 'Hit them with Poseidon [underwater nuclear drone],' he declared. 'Give the British three days to learn to breathe underwater, then hit them with Poseidon.'
Moscow military sources claim Russia's Poseidon will be capable of triggering a coastal nuclear explosion, unleashing a radioactive tidal wave over Britain once the weapon becomes operational. Last month, Putin claimed the weapon is nearing completion and will be ready for deployment shortly.
Solovyov also called for the British Embassy in Moscow to be shut down and UK journalists expelled from Russia. 'When will they finally get rid of all these British journalists [in Moscow], all this vomiting anti-Russian scum, from here? Drive them all out of here, and close the [British] embassy and kick them out.'
Kremlin Propagandists Threaten Retaliation
Vladimir Kornilov, another Kremlin propagandist, insisted Britain should be 'nervous' following the revelation that UK drones are striking deep inside Russia. 'They write with pride that finally British drones are hitting Russian enterprises, they name these enterprises,' he said.
He threatened: 'If British newspapers are boasting that their drones are already hitting civilian targets deep in Russia, then surely we can do the same. Or is that something else entirely?'
Solovyov added: 'Now, strikes deep into Russia are being carried out with British weapons...this is classic Anglo-Saxon warfare. We need to understand who we're fighting and respond asymmetrically. We shouldn't pay attention to what they say or what they think. They need to be destroyed.'
Hardline MP Andrey Lugovoy claimed Britain had been intimidated by Putin's warning that Russia could arrest Western ships in the Pacific and other oceans in retaliation for the impounding of the Kremlin's shadow fleet vessels. 'The British attempt to legalise piracy ended in another flop. Was it worth the risk? Vladimir Putin's promise to respond in kind to the West's seizure of Russian ships forced London to admit that its strength is no longer what it once was. England is no longer the 'mistress of the seas'.'
