Russian state television presenter Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent supporter of Vladimir Putin, has claimed the US would not retaliate if Russia launched a nuclear strike against Europe. Speaking on Russia 1, the propagandist argued that European countries could no longer rely on US nuclear protection, adding: "America will never die for burning Europe."
Remarks on US Commitments
The presenter made the remarks amid tensions over US President Donald Trump's comments about NATO allies and a diesel deal with Russia. On the question of whether the US would come to Europe's aid, Solovyov told viewers: "They don't have the guts. America will never die for burning Europe."
He added: "They will spit on Europe, a hundred times over." Solovyov argued that Trump's position on Greenland demonstrated that Washington no longer viewed European security as a US interest.
History of Threats
Solovyov has repeatedly threatened Western countries with nuclear attacks, including Britain. He has previously called for Russia to use its Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone against the UK.
He said during an earlier broadcast: "Hit them with Poseidon. Give the British three days to learn to breathe underwater, then hit them with Poseidon." Germany has also been targeted by his rhetoric, with the presenter threatening to turn the country into a "radioactive wasteland". He has also discussed attacks on major European cities, including Berlin, Paris and London.
Context and Caveats
Solovyov, who has received honours from the Kremlin, regularly uses his prime-time television programme to advocate a more aggressive Russian stance towards Western countries. His latest remarks come as questions persist over the future of US commitments to European security and the strength of NATO's deterrence against Russia.
However, statements made by Solovyov on state television do not in themselves establish official Russian military policy. His claims about the US response to a potential nuclear attack on Europe are his own assertions, rather than evidence of how Washington would respond.
