Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Kremlin TV Host Issues Stark Warning to UK Over Ukraine Troop Deployment
A prominent pro-Kremlin media figure has issued a stern warning to UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, stating that British troops sent to Ukraine would face fatalities amid escalating Russian nuclear threats. Vladimir Solovyov, a leading voice on Russian state television, asserted that a similar fate awaited French forces potentially deployed by President Emmanuel Macron.
Nuclear Threat Rhetoric Targets Western Forces
During his propaganda program, Solovyov told viewers that discussions were underway between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and London regarding the potential for UK military personnel to train Ukrainian armed forces under a prospective peace settlement. This comes as Starmer has indicated a willingness to station thousands of British soldiers in Ukraine for an extended period to uphold any peace agreement and deter further Russian aggression.
Starmer Signals Long-Term Troop Commitment
The Labour leader has expressed readiness to make an open-ended pledge to deploy troops for ‘as long as it takes’ alongside Western allies, subject to parliamentary approval. Simultaneously, Russian President Vladimir Putin has initiated a mobilization effort, conscripting 160,000 men aged 18-30 as part of Russia’s move to expand its military capabilities.
Propagandist Taunts Starmer, Threatens Western Troops
Solovyov, known for echoing Kremlin talking points on his nightly broadcasts, mockingly challenged Starmer to personally command the troops. He questioned the potential size of British contingents, stating, “What contingents can Britain prepare?”
He then asserted, “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.”
Call for Western Leaders as Military Targets
Addressing his state TV audience, Solovyov suggested, “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 further diminished Starmer’s significance, adding, “Yes, in my opinion, well, no one will even remember [Sir Keir] Starmer’s name, because except for me and a couple of other people, no one remembers the name of the current [prime minister]….”
Contradiction on UK Command Structure
State media commentator Vladimir Kornilov intervened, clarifying that King Charles, not Starmer, holds the position of commander-in-chief in the UK. “The king is supreme,” Kornilov stated.
However, Solovyov dismissed this, arguing, “No, there the king is only nominal.”
Past Threats and Ukrainian Response
Last month, Solovyov delivered a similar outburst on state television, warning British and French troops that “we will kill you all” if they were deployed to Ukraine. The Kremlin propagandist has also previously claimed that former US President Donald Trump would align with Russia in the event of a global conflict.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reportedly initiated criminal charges of genocide against Solovyov for allegedly inciting attacks on Ukraine and promoting the Russian invasion.
Zelensky Urges Decisive Action from Allies
Earlier today, President Zelensky called upon Western allies to intensify ‘new and tangible’ pressure on Moscow following recent attacks on Kharkiv. He stated, “This systematic and constant nature of Russian strikes clearly indicates that Moscow disregards the diplomatic efforts of partners.”
Zelensky emphasized the urgency of the situation, adding, “Putin does not even want to ensure a partial ceasefire. Action must be taken as soon as possible.”
Discussions on Troop Deployment and Reassurance Force
Starmer and Zelensky reportedly held a phone conversation on Monday, during which the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine was discussed.
Downing Street has confirmed that military leaders from Britain, France, and Ukraine are scheduled to meet to “drive forward the next stage of detailed planning.”
French President Macron has indicated that Britain and France would jointly lead a ‘reassurance force’ in Ukraine should a peace accord be reached. “These reassurance forces are a British-French proposition that is desired by Ukraine,” Macron announced last Thursday, clarifying that the force would be stationed at “strategic areas” rather than on contact lines.
Starmer elaborated on the purpose of the force, stating, “This is a force designed to deter, in order to send that message to Putin that this is a deal that is going to be defended – that’s the best description of it.”