A Russian TV host who spoke about the war in Ukraine in his programme said that Russia should attack the UK and other European countries.

Vladimir Solovyov said Russia should not be afraid of carrying out strikes in the UK, Norway, Germany, and Romania, as factories manufacturing arms for Ukraine are based in those countries.

“War is for a long time. Right now, no one has the slightest doubt that no one will allow us to simply get out of this war [in Ukraine] until we start acting totally differently,” he said. He also added, “Who needs a process when a country is at war”?

“We clearly know that the Europeans are manufacturing all that is killing our guys on the frontlines. What are we afraid of? Carrying out strikes in the UK, Norway, Germany, and Romania, where these factories are located. These are Ukrainian factories. Will they send their armies to fight us?,” he also said. Solovyov also added that only “after striking” those countries “will look at you differently”.

Russia has recently blamed the UK for strikes that have massively damaged Baltic Sea oil and gas exporting ports, reigniting fears over a possible World War 3. One of these hubs – Ust-Luga – was attacked yet again overnight by Ukraine.

Russian state TV alleged that the strikes were masterminded by Britain, and involved incursions by the attack drones over the territory of NATO states including Finland and Estonia. Russian military expert Vladislav Shurygin said: “It’s absolutely certain that Ukraine itself would never have decided to fly into and use the airspace of NATO countries [to attack Russian oil ports in Leningrad region]….

“They understand only too well how that could end. The point is that everything was indeed agreed upon, the airspace was granted [by NATO states]…. The main operator, so to speak, both in the Baltic countries, and especially in Ukraine, is London. We must understand that we are dealing with a real special operation, precisely in the London style, the classic kind.”

There is no evidence to suggest that the UK is behind the attack, and it is likely instead that Ukrainian drones attacking Leningrad region crossed into Finland and Estonia due to electronic warfare interference by Russian air defences.

The strikes on Ust-Luga and Primorsk have crippled Putin’s oil exports as world prices soar, hitting earrings for his war machine.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said her country did not demand that Ukraine suspend or reduce attacks on Russian targets, despite incidents with “wandering” drones.

“Ukraine is allowed to defend itself. We do not make any demands on Ukraine regarding the targets it seeks to influence in Russia,” the minister stated.

Meanwhile, Russia reported the downing of dozens of Ukrainian drones early today. Damage and casualties were reported in or near Ust-Luga. Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine would halt strikes on Russia energy facilities if Putin stopped similar attacks.

“If Russia is ready not to target Ukrainian energy, we will not retaliate against their energy sector,” he said.