Vladimir Solovyov, a known ally of Vladimir Putin, has discussed potential targets for military action, heightening concerns about the possibility of a World War 3.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has persisted despite various international efforts to foster peace between the two nations.
Putin has repeatedly stated his aversion to war with Europe, noting earlier this month: “We’re not planning to go to war with Europe, I’ve said that a hundred times.”
“But if Europe suddenly wants to fight us and starts, we’re ready right now. There can be no doubt about that.”
Solovyov, a close associate of Putin, has now named three cities that could potentially be targeted in the event of rising tensions in Europe.
“Once again we will have to destroy Berlin, and enter this godforsaken city. Once again we will have to enter Paris. Once again we will have to liberate Vienna. Well, perhaps the Austrians will reconsider,” Solovyov remarked.
“It doesn’t mean that we want this. But one of the principles postulated by our supreme commander-in-chief is when we are forced to act then we act. First, of course, the principle of ‘do no harm’ but then… please don’t blame us.”
Solovyov has also previously mentioned that a nuclear strike on the UK seems ‘inevitable’. Meanwhile, historian and Putin supporter Andrey Sidorov commented on the death of British paratrooper Lance Corporal George Hooley in Ukraine, who was killed in a recent explosion.
Hooley lost his life while observing Ukrainian troops as they tested ‘a new defensive capability, away from the front lines’.
Sidorov stated: “This incident should be considered a casus belli, when the British Ministry of Defence officially acknowledged the death of its military personnel on active duty on Ukrainian territory.”
A casus belli refers to an act or event that provokes or legally justifies war.
Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, has expressed concern that Russia might launch an attack on a NATO member country within the next five years.
He stated in a speech in Germany, according to the BBC: “Russia is already escalating its covert campaign against our societies. We must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents or great-grandparents endured.”
Rutte further added: “Just imagine if Putin got his way; Ukraine under the boot of Russian occupation, his forces pressing against a longer border with NATO, and the significantly increased risk of an armed attack against us.”