Amid rising tensions, Russia has issued a fresh warning to Britain, this time targeting Sir Keir Starmer as well. Dmitry Rogozin, a key figure close to Vladimir Putin, criticized Starmer, calling him “ignorant and foolish” for proposing to station British troops in Ukraine under a peace agreement. This move, as implied by Rogozin, could expose the UK to missile attacks from Russia.
Rogozin, a former deputy premier and head of the Russian space agency, highlighted historical references to emphasize his point, stating, “Even after Russia’s defeat in the Crimean War of 1853-1856, such ideas never crossed the minds of England, France, or the Turks and Sardinians.” He warned Starmer about the repercussions of implementing such plans.
In response, Starmer announced that the UK and France plan to establish military bases in Ukraine, including secure facilities for weapons and equipment to support Kyiv’s defense. This decision followed a joint declaration signed by the British Prime Minister, French President, and Ukrainian leader to deploy troops after a ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, President Putin reportedly justified Russian military actions in Ukraine, claiming they were carried out on divine orders. This assertion was made during Orthodox Christmas celebrations, where Putin attended a midnight church service alongside senior GRU military intelligence officials and their families.
Putin’s rhetoric portrayed the ongoing conflict as a sacred mission ordained by God, rather than a political decision. He praised Russian soldiers for defending the homeland and its people, positioning the war within the realm of Orthodox theology.
During the Christmas service, Putin was observed with prominent GRU figures, including Maj-Gen Aleksei Galkin, the commander of unit 92154, which has been linked to covert operations. This event took place at a church located within the Senezh Special Purpose Centre, a military facility associated with the GRU.
The Russian leader’s public appearance with GRU personnel coincided with reports of increased covert activities by Russia across Europe. Investigations have pointed to GRU involvement in sabotage and assassination plots, including incidents like the Polish railway explosion allegedly tied to unit 92154.
European security services have raised concerns over the escalation of Russian covert operations, with the emergence of specialized GRU units like the “Department of Special Tasks” engaging in disruptive activities in the region, such as the DHL parcel bombing scheme.
In global news highlights, these developments underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the current landscape.