Russia has issued a new warning to Britain regarding the possibility of World War 3, this time directed at Sir Keir Starmer. Dmitry Rogozin, a key ally of Vladimir Putin, criticized Starmer as “ignorant and foolish” for proposing to station British troops in Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, suggesting it could make the UK vulnerable to missile attacks from Russia.
Rogozin, a former deputy premier under Putin and head of the space agency, emphasized that historical powers like England, France, and Turkey never entertained such ideas even after Russia’s defeat in the Crimean War in the 19th century. Despite dismissing Starmer as lacking understanding, Rogozin cautioned about the consequences for the UK if they proceeded with such plans.
In response, Starmer announced plans for military bases in Ukraine alongside France to support Kyiv in defending itself. This decision followed a joint declaration signed by the UK, France, and Ukraine to deploy troops after a ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, Putin justified Russian military actions in Ukraine as being ordained by God, making the conflict a holy war. During Orthodox Christmas celebrations, Putin asserted that Russian soldiers were fulfilling a divine mission to defend the Fatherland, framing the war as a sacred duty rather than a political agenda.
Putin’s speech, delivered at a midnight mass attended by top military officials, portrayed the conflict as a divine mandate for Russian troops, drawing on Orthodox theology to justify military actions. The event took place at a church within a Russian military facility linked to the GRU intelligence agency, emphasizing the military’s role in carrying out what Putin described as a mission from God.
By appearing alongside high-ranking military officers, including the commander of unit 92154 accused of orchestrating a railway explosion in Poland, Putin signaled approval for covert operations conducted by the GRU. European security agencies have raised concerns about Russia’s increasing covert activities across the continent, with a focus on a specialized GRU unit involved in sabotage and assassination plots.
The escalating tensions and covert operations underscore the growing complexity of the situation in Eastern Europe, with Russia’s actions drawing international attention and concern.
