A top Kremlin propagandist called on the US to hand over its European military bases to Russia in a terrifying warning this week.
Vladimir Solovyov, a Russian broadcaster, issued the demand during a recent TV segment.
In a clip shared on X by Eastern European media outlet Nexta, Solovyov said Moscow should capture American bases in Germany, Italy and Portugal.
He said during Evening with Vladimir Solovyov: “I believe that all American occupation troops should be withdrawn from Europe, and Russian military bases should be located deep from the territory of the Russian Federation.
“For example, it is perfectly possible to occupy part of the military bases that have been prepared by the Americans in Western Europe. Ramstein could be our base.
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to Daily Express US
“We could very well be stationed at a number of bases in Italy.
“Then, no questions arise. Then, we will be sure that Europe will behave very decently and no threat to our state will come from the territory of Europe.”
This comes amid reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a “future large-scale war” with NATO.
Earlier this month, Putin “threatened Finland and the wider NATO alliance” on Russian state TV channel Rossiya 1, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) think tank .
The ISW said in an update: “The Russian military is currently redividing the Western Military District (WMD) to reform the Leningrad Military District (LMD) and the Moscow Military District (MMD) as part of a long-term restructuring and expansion effort that aims to prepare Russia for a potential future large-scale conventional war against NATO.
“The WMD is responsible for the Russian border with NATO members Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland but has largely been committed to the fight in Ukraine, where it has incurred significant losses.”
Meanwhile, Biden claimed earlier this month that Russia would be willing to attack NATO if it won its war in Ukraine.
He warned that “if Putin takes Ukraine, he won’t stop there,” adding that the Russian president’s attack on allies could result in “American troops fighting Russian troops.”
But Putin poured cold water on Biden’s claim, arguing Russia has “no interest” in attacking NATO.
He said during an interview published by Rossiya state television: “It is complete nonsense — and I think President Biden understands that
“Russia has no reason, no interest — no geopolitical interest, neither economic, political nor military — to fight with NATO countries.”
As of December 26, Russia and Ukraine have been at war for 671 days.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu alleged that Russian troops took full control of the eastern Ukrainian town of Marinka in what would be their first significant breakthrough since capturing Bakhmut in May.
Meanwhile, in efforts to distance itself from Russia Ukraine also celebrated Christmas on December 25 for the first time. Celebrations are usually held in Russia in January.
