Tensions escalated as a Russian official recently pointed out numerous British defense sites that could potentially be targeted by missiles, raising concerns of a possible conflict. Senator Dmitry Rogozin, a former deputy premier and space agency chief, issued a warning about the UK’s perceived threat level. This warning was prompted by former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace’s remarks on making Crimea uninhabitable from a Russian perspective without direct invasion.
In response to Wallace’s comments, Rogozin shared a map highlighting various UK defense-related locations that could be considered as targets by Russia. He criticized the aggressive stance suggested by Wallace and emphasized the need to understand the true intentions of such statements. Additionally, he advised Russian oligarchs against sending their children to study in England due to perceived risks.
The map showcasing 23 defense sites, encompassing military and industrial facilities across the UK, was derived from the government’s document “Defence Industrial Strategy 2025: Making Defence an Engine for Growth.” TV personality Vladimir Solovyov, known for his Kremlin-scripted broadcasts, interpreted Rogozin’s map as a potential target list for destruction in Britain.
Solovyov criticized Wallace, calling him derogatory names and dismissing his authority on the matter. He further threatened to deploy Russia’s Poseidon underwater nuclear drone against Britain as a retaliatory measure, questioning the significance of the UK’s existence. The threat followed an earlier warning on a possible terrorist operation targeting a Second World War shipwreck holding explosives in the Thames estuary, as retribution for alleged British involvement in Ukraine.
The shipwreck in question, the US Liberty ship SS Richard Montgomery, grounded in 1944 with 1,400 tonnes of explosives still onboard. Historian Dr. Andrey Sidorov highlighted the potential catastrophic impact if the wreck were to be disturbed, emphasizing the need for preventive action without insinuating any terrorist motives.
Amidst these escalating tensions, the situation remains volatile, with verbal threats and strategic implications adding to the already tense geopolitical climate.