Russia has issued a fresh threat of World War 3 to Britain, this time targeting Sir Keir Starmer as well. Dmitry Rogozin, a senior associate of Vladimir Putin, criticized Starmer as “ignorant and foolish” for proposing to station British troops in Ukraine as part of a peace agreement. Rogozin suggested that this move could make the UK vulnerable to missile attacks from Russia.
Rogozin, a close associate of Putin and former deputy premier and space agency chief, stated, “Even after Russia’s defeat in the Crimean War of 1853-1856, such ideas were never entertained by England, France, or the Turks and Sardinians. Of course, Starmer may be ignorant and foolish in the broader context, but he should comprehend the consequences if they proceed with this absurdity.”
In response, Starmer announced plans for the UK and France to establish military bases in Ukraine to provide support for Kyiv’s defense efforts. The British Prime Minister, French President, and Ukrainian leader signed a joint declaration in Paris to allow British and French military presence on Ukrainian soil following a ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, Putin has reportedly instructed his troops that their actions in Ukraine are sanctioned by God. The Russian leader made this claim during Orthodox Christmas celebrations at a midnight church service attended by GRU military intelligence officials and their families. He justified the attacks on Ukraine as part of a divine mission to defend and protect the homeland.
Putin’s rhetoric portrayed the Russian military’s actions as being guided by divine will rather than his own political decisions. He emphasized the soldiers’ role in defending the country and its people as a sacred duty ordained by God.
During the Christmas service, Putin was accompanied by high-ranking GRU officials, including Maj-Gen Aleksei Galkin, commander of elite unit 92154, Col Andrey Popov, and Col Konstantin Maslyanko. The service took place at a church located within the Senezh Special Purpose Centre, a GRU-affiliated military site in the Moscow region.
Putin’s appearance at the service alongside GRU officers is seen as a symbolic endorsement of their activities amidst increasing concerns about Russia’s covert operations in Europe. Recent investigations have linked GRU officers to sabotage activities and assassination plots across the continent, heightening tensions in the region.