A Russian state TV host and an ally of President Vladimir Putin issued an ominous warning to the United Kingdom on state TV.
During an appearance on channel Russia-1, Vladimir Solovyov, one of the most prominent figures in Kremlin-backed media, suggested Russia put the U.K. underwater.
Newsweek reached out to Russia's Foreign Ministry for comment via email.
Attention, Europe!
Russian propagandist Solovyev promises to "bring plaques from Berlin, Bonn, and Paris."
He adds that he won't be able to bring one from London because it would be underwater.
And yet, Russia claims it doesn't really intend to attack NATO... pic.twitter.com/y26ADEJr8D
Why It Matters
The U.K. is one of Europe's top suppliers of military assistance to Ukraine in the war. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made his first official visit to Kyiv last week since taking office in July, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said they agreed to "at least US$3.6 billion" in annual military aid.
Starmer's predecessor, Rishi Sunak, had vowed to continue supporting Kyiv "for as long as it takes."
What To Know
Solovyov began by bringing out a large military plaque from Ukraine's largely Russia-occupied Donetsk region, where fierce fighting is ongoing.
He issued a warning to NATO member states Germany and France, suggesting that Russia would soon seize these nations.
The Kremlin propagandist went on to suggest that he wouldn't be able to get a plaque from London, because it will be underwater and he hasn't "mastered an underwater sport yet."
Kremlin propagandists have routinely warned of a looming world war and strikes by Russia on NATO territory over aid and weapons provided to Kyiv by the Joe Biden administration and members of the military alliance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2024 brushed off accusations that he would order an attack on a NATO member.
"Their statements about our alleged intention to attack Europe after Ukraine is sheer nonsense," Putin said, adding that Washington's defense budget is more than 10 times Moscow's. "In view of that, are we going to wage a war against NATO? It's ravings."
In an Inauguration Day message to U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, the Russian leader also said Russia hears "[Trump's] statement about the need to do everything to prevent a third world war."
"Of course, we welcome this attitude and congratulate the elected president of the U.S. on taking office," said Putin.
What People Are Saying
Anton Gerashchenko, a former adviser to Ukraine's minister of internal affairs, shared a video of the state TV broadcast on X, formerly Twitter, and wrote: "Attention, Europe! Russian propagandist Solovyev promises to 'bring plaques from Berlin, Bonn, and Paris.' He adds that he won't be able to bring one from London because it would be underwater. And yet, Russia claims it doesn't really intend to attack NATO."
Russian state TV host Vladimir Solovyov said: "I have often shown [plaques] from liberated Mariupol … we bring them from everywhere as a reminder. I'll place it here nicely. As for how the enemy behaves, let them prepare. I will bring these plaques from Berlin, Bonn, and Paris. I won't be able to bring one from London, I haven't mastered an underwater sport yet. Therefore, I and comrade general [Andrey Gurulev] probably won't go deep enough to remove the plaque."
What Happens Next?
The U.K. will continue to provide military support to Ukraine, despite threats from Russian propagandists. Last week, Starmer and Zelensky signed a 100-year partnership agreement, with the U.K. vowing to support the Ukrainians "long after this terrible war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again."
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