A key associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, labeling him “illiterate and a fool.” This rebuke comes in response to Starmer’s suggestion that British forces might be deployed in Ukraine as part of a future peace agreement. The exchange occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Russia and the West, particularly in light of recent military developments.
During Orthodox Christmas celebrations, Putin asserted that Russian military operations in Ukraine are conducted under divine guidance. He referred to the conflict as a sacred duty while addressing top officials from the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency, at a midnight service. The event took place in the Moscow region, where Putin was accompanied by prominent military leaders, including the commander of military unit 92154, which has been linked to recent incidents in Poland.
In a stark warning, Dmitry Rogozin, a former deputy prime minister and current senator, cautioned that deploying troops to Ukraine would provoke Russian missile strikes against the UK. Rogozin referenced historical precedents, stating, “Even after Russia’s defeat in the Crimean War of 1853-1856, such thoughts never occurred to England, France, or the Turks and Sardinians.” He emphasized that, while Starmer may lack understanding, the consequences of such military actions could be severe.
As Putin delivered his impassioned speech, he authorized further military strikes across Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties. Reports indicate that seven civilians were injured in Dnipro, including two young girls aged eight and 16, as residential areas and educational facilities were targeted during overnight attacks.
Putin characterized the military campaign as a divinely sanctioned mission, framing Russian soldiers as defenders of the homeland. “Today [at Orthodox Christmas] we celebrate the wonderful, bright holiday of the Nativity of Christ,” he stated, reinforcing the notion that the conflict is a holy obligation rather than a mere political maneuver. His rhetoric aims to bolster domestic support for the ongoing operations, which European intelligence suggests are intensifying.
At the ceremony, Putin was seen alongside senior GRU officials, including Maj-Gen Aleksei Galkin, who commands the elite unit 92154. The setting underscored Putin’s commitment to his military agenda as reports emerge of the GRU’s involvement in covert operations across Europe. Investigations in Poland are scrutinizing connections between GRU operatives and recent sabotage incidents on railways.
In parallel to these developments, reports from the Zaporizhzhia region indicate that Russian attacks have led to increased injuries among children during the festive season. The energy crisis in Ukraine continues to worsen, with hospitals in Lviv experiencing power outages due to repeated strikes targeting energy infrastructure.
Ukraine has also retaliated, reportedly causing significant damage to an oil facility in Stary Oskol, located in Russia’s Belgorod region. Local authorities, including Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, confirmed that the detonation resulted in multiple tanks catching fire, prompting firefighting efforts on-site.
The ongoing conflict, marked by Putin’s religious rhetoric and military strategies, raises questions about the future of peace negotiations. His firm stance against proposals for de-escalation, including those put forward by former US President Donald Trump, signals that the Kremlin remains resolute in its military objectives. As tensions continue to rise, the potential for further escalation between Russia and Western nations looms large.
