Kremlin Propagandist Calls for Missile Strikes on UK, Escalation of War
LONDON – A prominent Russian television presenter with close ties to the Kremlin has called for a missile strike on a town in the United Kingdom, escalating threats against a NATO member nation amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Vladimir Solovyov, described as one of Vladimir Putin’s key propagandists, made the call during his prime-time radio show “Full Contact,” according to reports surfacing Saturday.
Solovyov specifically named Farnborough, Hampshire, as a potential target, citing its proximity to the UK’s defense industry and its association with the Storm Shadow missile, a long-range weapon system supplied to Ukraine. He also suggested strikes against a commune in France housing the headquarters of MBDA, a European missile manufacturer.
“After yesterday’s bloody strike…I’m simply begging our Defense Ministry to carry out missile strikes and destroy factories…in the English Farnborough near London, where these stealth long-range missiles are made,” Solovyov reportedly said, adding a call for the “destruction of personnel.”
The remarks come as tensions remain high between Russia and the West. Solovyov’s broadcast also included a renewed demand for the assassination of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, referring to him with derogatory terms.
A regular contributor to Solovyov’s show, Evgeny Tishkovets, further fueled the escalation by discussing the feasibility of a nuclear strike on Western Europe, claiming weather patterns would be “perfect” for such an attack in the coming days.
Solovyov has been a vocal supporter of the war in Ukraine and has previously called for a broader escalation of the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders. He is known for his aggressive rhetoric and pro-Kremlin stance on Russian state media.
The UK government has not yet officially responded to Solovyov’s threats. However, the statements are likely to be viewed with serious concern by Western governments, raising fears of further escalation and potential attacks on NATO infrastructure.
The incident underscores the role of state-controlled media in Russia in disseminating propaganda and escalating tensions with the West. Experts have long pointed to Solovyov as a key figure in shaping public opinion within Russia and justifying the Kremlin’s actions in Ukraine.
The broadcast also featured a recruitment advertisement for “Rubicon,” an elite Russian drone unit established in August 2024, highlighting its role in the “merciless destruction of enemy equipment.”