Vladimir Putin’s top propagandist, Vladimir Solovyov, has issued a chilling warning to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, claiming that any British troops sent to Ukraine will meet their death, and that the same fate awaits French forces, amid a new Russian nuclear threat.
On his nightly state TV show, Solovyov mocked Starmer’s willingness to send UK troops to the war-torn region, saying that if British forces were deployed, they would be met with certain death. He also threatened the use of tactical nuclear weapons against NATO forces, including British and French troops.
Tactical Nuke Threat and Provocative Rhetoric
Solovyov, known for spouting the Kremlin’s agenda, said: “What contingents can Britain prepare? Well, we’ve already buried a lot of Brits here, and a lot of Frenchmen. Well, come [to Ukraine], all of you, all of you die.”
He further suggested that it would be better for Starmer to personally lead British forces into Ukraine, claiming: “It would be good if the columns of French and British troops were led directly by their supreme commanders. So that if we use tactical nuclear weapons, we use them wisely. Why? Would anyone feel sorry for them?”
He added that no one would remember Starmer’s name if such a scenario occurred, as the propagandist disparaged both the UK Prime Minister and Starmer.
The UK’s Potential Commitment to Ukraine
Sir Keir Starmer has previously stated that he is prepared to station thousands of British soldiers in Ukraine for an open-ended deployment to support a peace settlement. He has signalled his willingness to commit troops “for as long as it takes,” contingent on MPs’ approval, to help enforce a peace deal and deter further Russian aggression.
In the meantime, Russia has been expanding its military forces, with Putin calling up 160,000 men aged 18 to 30 to bolster the Russian military’s ranks.
Solovyov’s Disdain for the UK’s Leadership
Solovyov’s statement was not the first of its kind, as he has previously stated that Russia would “kill you all” if British and French troops were sent to Ukraine. His rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism, with the Kremlin mouthpiece also controversially claiming that former US President Donald Trump would side with Russia if a global conflict were to erupt.
In a bizarre twist, Solovyov also dismissed King Charles as “only nominally” the UK’s supreme commander, further underlining his mockery of British leadership.
International Tensions Escalate
While these threats unfold, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western allies to apply “new and tangible” pressure on Moscow after recent Russian attacks on Kharkiv. He stated that the consistency of Russian strikes indicates that Putin “despises the diplomatic efforts of partners,” calling for immediate action to counter Russia’s aggression.
Starmer and Zelensky recently held a phone conversation about the potential deployment of British troops to Ukraine, with Downing Street confirming that military leadership from the UK, France, and Ukraine would meet to plan the next steps.
A ‘Reassurance Force’ for Ukraine
In response to growing concerns, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that Britain and France would jointly lead a “reassurance force” in Ukraine, should a peace deal be reached. This force, aimed at deterring further Russian incursions, would not be positioned on the frontlines but rather in strategic areas across Ukraine. Starmer described the force as vital for sending a clear message to Putin that any peace deal reached would be “defended.”
Conclusion
As tensions continue to rise, both Solovyov’s threats and the West’s military planning signal the growing global implications of the war in Ukraine. While Russia ramps up its military capabilities, Western nations remain focused on deterring further escalation through strategic military deployments and diplomatic efforts.
