Russia Maps UK Defence Sites as Threats Spark Global Concerns

A recent statement from Russian senator and war veteran Dmitry Rogozin has raised alarms regarding the safety of UK towns and cities. Rogozin shared a map that highlights 23 British defence-related sites as potential targets for Russian missiles, a move that has intensified fears of escalating tensions between the two nations.

The warning from Rogozin follows comments made by former British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who advocated for making Crimea “uninhabitable and unviable” from the Russian perspective. In October 2023, Wallace stated that while Ukraine may not need to invade Crimea, efforts should focus on “choking it to death.” Rogozin’s response to Wallace’s remarks included the map, which he described as a sobering reminder of the UK’s military infrastructure.

Rogozin stated, “Former British Defense Minister Ben Wallace on what Kyiv and its NATO allies should do to end the military actions: ‘We must help Ukraine acquire long-range capabilities to make Crimea uninhabitable. We need to strangle Crimea.'” He emphasized the significance of Wallace’s words, suggesting that they reveal the true intentions of Western leaders. Furthermore, Rogozin cautioned wealthy Russians against sending their children to study in the UK, labeling it “deadly dangerous.”

The map shared by Rogozin includes both military and industrial sites across all four nations of the UK. It was derived from the UK government’s policy document titled “Defence Industrial Strategy 2025: Making Defence an Engine for Growth.”

In a related comment, state TV propagandist Vladimir Solovyov referred to the mapped sites as potential targets that could be destroyed first. He criticized Wallace, calling him “a nobody” and threatened repercussions for the UK government. Solovyov went so far as to mention Russia’s Poseidon underwater nuclear drone, stating, “But when the unfortunate Brits die, they should say your name, because it’s you, you moron, who brought trouble to the island.”

This tension escalated further when Russian state TV hinted at a possible terrorist operation aimed at the SS Richard Montgomery, a Liberty ship that sank in the Thames Estuary during World War II. The wreck, which remains on a sandbank east of the Isle of Grain, is reported to contain approximately 1,400 tonnes of explosives. Historian Dr. Andrey Sidorov warned that if disturbed, the ship could flood coastal villages and ports.

Sidorov remarked, “There are 1,400 tonnes of explosives there. They say it’s still active. The masts are sticking out. If you hit it, this will flood all the coastal villages and ports. So we need to start with that, right today.” His comments, made with a smirk, underscore the gravity of the situation, as he added, “Just don’t accuse me of terrorism.”

These developments come at a time of heightened global scrutiny regarding military strategies and responses in the region. As diplomatic relations continue to deteriorate, the implications of these threats could have far-reaching effects on international security and stability. The situation remains fluid, with both sides appearing entrenched in their positions.