RUSSIA issued a thinly veiled threat against the US on state television – warning of "hundreds of coffins" in a direct threat of terrorism.
Vladimir Putin's war has been heavily supported by his mouthpiece media organisations since launching his brutal invasion of Ukraine in February.
And this morning, so-called experts on state-controlled television said American support for Ukraine would only change if “dozens or hundreds” of caskets draped in US flags started arriving in the country.
As reported by the Daily Beast, military pundit Viktor Olevich told programme The Meeting Place: "Subversive actions are already taking place within the Russian Federation, in Moscow. We already have casualties. There is no doubt that we may witness certain events on the territory of third countries, not just Ukraine. Definitely.”
Co-host Ivan Trushkin added: "Pardon my fantasy, but what if some Pentagon official, who was responsible for handling Ukraine, chokes on a cherry pit? Would that help to stop subversive activities on our territory?"
“They most likely won’t stop, but with time, tit-for-tat actions could change the situation. I just wouldn’t count on it having an immediate effect," responded Olevich.
Host Andrey Norkin continued: “Everyone is carefully dropping hints over here… but last Saturday’s CNN report said that all the processes happening in Ukraine are being crafted and directed only by Washington—not that anyone ever doubted it.”
CIS Countries Institute's Igor Shishkin later said: “It has to come back to bite them and doesn’t have to be limited to some Colonel falling out of the window. Americans have plenty of agencies and bases, located in hot spots, where something could fly over to that base and cause several dozen or hundreds of coffins to go back to the United States.
"If they start getting caskets, draped in stars and stripes flags, after every terrorist act they’ve authorized, it will finally force them to think.”
Read our Ukraine-Russia blog below for the latest updates…
- Henry Moore
Putin's pal mysteriously dies after criticising war in Ukraine
Ravil Maganov, 64, was the chairman of the Russian oil giant Lukoil, a firm that openly criticised Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
According to reports, the oil magnate died after falling from a sixth-floor window at the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow, at around 7:30 am.
Lukoil had previously slammed Putin's bloodthirsty invasion of Ukraine.
The board's statement read: "Calling for the soonest termination of the armed conflict, we express our sincere empathy for all victims who are affected by this tragedy.
"We strongly support a lasting ceasefire and a settlement of problems through serious negotiations and diplomacy.
"The company makes every effort to continue its operations in all countries and regions where it is present, committed to its primary mission of a reliable supplier of energy to consumers around the world. In its activities, Lukoil aspires to contribute to peace, international relations, and humanitarian ties.”
- Henry Moore
Red cross calls for fighting to end at Europe's largest nuclear power plant
As Russia continues to shell the area near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the Red Cross has called for the fighting to end.
“In the event of a nuclear leak, it will be difficult if not impossible to provide humanitarian assistance … and this is why fighting should stop.
“The scenario could be a massive incident, and … there is very little anyone can do to mitigate the dire consequences of this.
“It is therefore time to stop playing with fire and instead take concrete measures to protect this facility, and others like it, from military operations,” he said. “The slightest miscalculation could trigger devastation that we will regret for decades.”
- Henry Moore
Russia bans entry to 55 military and political officials from Canada
Russia has banned entry to 55 military and political officials from Canada in a tit-for-tat move, the Russian foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
It said the decision was taken in response to sanctions from Canada against Russian nationals.
- Henry Moore
Russian losses as war enters its eighth month
Russian losses have surpassed 48,000 as we enter the eighth month of Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine
Ukrainian military estimates place Russian losses at around 48,350.
Putin’s army has also lost 234 planes and 1,997 tanks.
- Henry Moore
Counteroffensive continues in Southern Ukraine
The British Ministry of Defence has provided an update on Ukraine's counteroffensive.
The update reads: "Over 30-31 August 2022, Ukrainian Armed Forces continued offensive operations in southern Ukraine, supported by intensive long-range strikes against Russian command and logistics locations across the occupied zone.
"Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence also released video footage of Ukrainian aircraft operating high speed anti-radiation missiles (HARMs). Russian has previously claimed that it has recovered fragments of these types of weapons, which are designed to locate and destroy radars.
"Russia prioritises strong ground-based air defences – the radar coverage which enables this is a critical capability in its Ukraine operation.
"A substantial, sustained degradation of Russia’s radars with HARMs would be a major setback to Russia’s already troubled situational awareness."
- Henry Moore
Putin intent on undoing Gorbachev’s work, Johnson claims
Boris Johnson has paid tribute to Mikhail Gorbachev, who has died aged 91.
Boris hailed the former Soviet Premier but suggested Russia’s current leader is intent on undoing the positive work done under Gorbachev.
“What I worry about today is that the current leadership in Moscow is intent on undoing the good Gorbachev did and is intent on a revenge-driven attempt to recreate that Soviet Empire,” he said.
“And you are seeing that in Ukraine. That is the tragedy [and] something I think Gorbachev would have thought was unthinkable, unwarranted and irrational.”
- Louis Allwood
Jailed Putin critic Navalny locked in ‘isolation closet’
Jailed Kremlin arch-critic Alexei Navalny has been locked away in solitary confinement a day after his team published the names of 200 "warmongers" who they claim should be sanctioned.
Speaking from his cell in the strict regime maximum security colony at Melekhovo, Navalny claimed Vladimir Putin is desperate to silence him, as he is angry the defiant list was made public.
"I'm back in the SHU [Special Housing Unit]," Navalny wrote in an update on his Facebook profile.
"They let me out Sunday night, and Monday afternoon they locked me up again, making no secret of the fact that I won't be getting out of this hole again.
"The SHU is obviously a hellish closet and is utterly unpleasant."
Putin's foe said he had initially been locked away for three, then five, then seven days, and expects to remain cooped up in isolation for another 15 days because he is considered to be "too politically active for a prisoner".
- Louis Allwood
EU will 'suspend agreement with Russia that eases visa issuance'
The European Union will suspend an agreement with Russia that eases visa issuance but there will not be a blanket visa ban imposed as there is no unanimity on that, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Facebook on Wednesday.
He said Hungary, along with some other member states, opposed a Russian visa ban at a meeting of EU ministers in Prague.
He said: "There won't be a general blanket visa ban imposed for Russian citizens."
Adding: "Several member states have raised their voice against this, including myself."
- Louis Allwood
UK to donate minehunter drones to help clear Ukrainian coastline
The Ukrainian military will also be taught how to use the state-of-the-art mine-hunting vehicles over the next few months.
According to the Government website, the UK will send undersea six mine-hunting drones to clear the Ukrainian coastline.
It can dive up to 100 metres to detect mines so that the Ukrainian Navy can destroy them.
- Louis Allwood
Putin to give a statement on Gorbachev's passing
The Russian dictator is reportedly set to give a statement in the coming days expressing his sadness at the passing of former Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Interfax news agency that Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed "his deepest condolences" on Mikhail Gorbachev's death.
"Tomorrow (today) he will send a telegram of condolences to his family and friends."
- Louis Allwood
Russian gas deliveries to Europe halted
Russian gas deliveries to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline have been halted today, energy operator Entsog has said.
According to Russian energy giant Gazprom, gas will not be delivered until 1 AM GMT on September 3 due to maintenance work.
This pause in supply comes at a time when European gas prices are skyrocketing and is likely to cause more tension between Russia and the West.
- Louis Allwood
A visual look at Russia's invasion of Ukraine: August 31
The Ministry of Defence has provided a visual look at the current situation in Ukraine.
This comes just days after Ukraine launched a seemingly successful offensive against their invaders, pushing Putin's forces in the Kherson region back.
The war in Ukraine is nearing its 200th day, with estimates placing Russian losses at almost 48,000.
- Louis Allwood
Ukraine accuses Russia of shelling town by Europe's largest nuclear power plant
Kyiv has accused Russian forces of shelling the town near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, as the IAEA begins its investigation into the facility.
“The Russian army is shelling Enerhodar,” said Yevhen Yevtushenko, head of Nikopol district military administration.
14 nuclear experts are said to have arrived in Kyiv yesterday, ready to begin their study of the power plant.
- Louis Allwood
Putin 'grips table & chews his lip' during meeting as rumours of failing health continue to spread
Images of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin "tightly gripping his desk during a meeting with one of his trusted generals" has sparked further rumours regarding the despot's health.
In a rare public appearance, Putin spoke with the director of the Russian National Guard, Viktor Zolotov, 68, to discuss the state of Russia's military operations in Ukraine.
Zolotov can be heard saying Ukrainians are welcoming the Russian invasion, despite all reports to the contrary.
Click here to see the unsettling images of the bloodthirsty leader.
- Louis Allwood
Zelensky offers Russia's troops a stark warning
As Ukraine prepares an offensive across its entire front, President Zelensky has one word of advice for Putin's men.
"Go home."
“If they want to survive, it’s time for the Russian military to run away. Go home,” he said in his nightly address.
“Ukraine is taking back its own land."
- Louis Allwood
Putin intent on undoing Gorbachev's work, Johnson claims
Boris Johnson has paid tribute to Mikhail Gorbachev, who has died aged 91.
Boris hailed the former Soviet Premier but suggested Russia's current leader is intent on undoing the positive work done under Gorbachev.
"What I worry about today is that the current leadership in Moscow is intent on undoing the good Gorbachev did and is intent on a revenge-driven attempt to recreate that Soviet Empire," he said.
"And you are seeing that in Ukraine. That is the tragedy [and] something I think Gorbachev would have thought was unthinkable, unwarranted and irrational."
- Louis Allwood
An update on the war in Ukraine
The British Ministry of Defence has provided a new update on Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine.
The statement reads: "Ukrainian armoured forces have continued to assault Russia’s Southern Grouping of Forces on several axes across the south of the country since Monday.
"Ukrainian formations have pushed the front line back some distance in places, exploiting relatively thinly held Russian defences.
"In line with its doctrine, Russia will likely now attempt to plug the gaps in its line using pre-designated mobile reserve units. These will likely include some of those from the Eastern Grouping of Forces.
"Russia continues to expedite attempts to generate new reinforcements for Ukraine. Volunteer battalions of the new 3rd Army Corps had departed their home base near Moscow by 24 August, highly likely for onward deployment to Ukraine.
"The operational effectiveness of these units is not known. The 3rd Army Corps is highly likely short of personnel and these troops have had limited training."
- Louis Allwood
An update on the war in Ukraine
The British Ministry of Defence has provided a new update on Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.
The statement reads: “Ukrainian armoured forces have continued to assault Russia’s Southern Grouping of Forces on several axes across the south of the country since Monday.
“Ukrainian formations have pushed the front line back some distance in places, exploiting relatively thinly held Russian defences.
“In line with its doctrine, Russia will likely now attempt to plug the gaps in its line using pre-designated mobile reserve units. These will likely include some of those from the Eastern Grouping of Forces.
“Russia continues to expedite attempts to generate new reinforcements for Ukraine. Volunteer battalions of the new 3rd Army Corps had departed their home base near Moscow by 24 August, highly likely for onward deployment to Ukraine.
“The operational effectiveness of these units is not known. The 3rd Army Corps is highly likely short of personnel and these troops have had limited training.”
- Louis Allwood
The International Atomic Energy Agency begins investigation into Europe’s largest nuclear power station
As fears of a Chornobyl-style disaster at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant continue to grow, the International Atomic Energy Agency has begun its mission in Ukraine.
CNN reports that 14 experts have arrived in the wartorn country, in order to examine Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Russia has refused to demilitarise the area.
- Louis Allwood
Ukrainian ‘traitor’ MP ‘assassinated’ alongside wife whose throat was slit by ‘hit squad’
Oleksiy Kovalyov, 33, was blasted with a pump action shotgun alongside his wife, who was stabbed to death, becoming the sixth Ukrainian accused of collaborating to be assassinated by a hit squad.
Koyalyov had been deemed a traitor after defecting to Putin’s side.
A popular Telegram channel run by Ukrainian journalist Andrei Tsaplienko confirmed: “The traitor, collaborator and former People’s Deputy Oleksiy Kovalyov was shot dead in his own house.
“The occupiers have begun intensive searches and document checks. Be careful, Ukrainians.”
- Louis Allwood
Russian troops ‘flee the frontline’ along trenches as Ukraine vows to drive them back
This is the humiliating moment Russian troops fled the frontline along a maze of trenches as Ukraine vowed to push them back to the border.
The embarrassing footage comes as Ukrainian defenders launched their much-anticipated counterattack in occupied Kherson overnight.
According to officials, Ukrainian troops have broken through the first line of Russian defences in the southern city and would not stop until the invaders were driven back into Russia.
“We will push them to the border. To our border, the line of which has not changed. The invaders know it well,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
“If they want to survive, it is time for the Russian military to flee.”
- Louis Allwood
Europe struggles with gas prices
Gas prices were already high before the Ukraine war as demand soared after the lifting of Covid restrictions.
But prices skyrocketed after the invasion because Russia is one of the world's biggest producers.
Continental Europe is heavily reliant in Russian gas imports, leading to fears of winter blackouts, rationing and factory closures in Germany.
Only a tiny fraction of Britain's gas comes directly from Russia.
But the UK relies more on gas for generating electricity than European neighbours because it has less nuclear and renewable energy.
- Louis Allwood
Russia bans entry to 55 military and political officials from Canada
Russia has banned entry to 55 military and political officials from Canada in a tit-for-tat move, the Russian foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
It said the decision was taken in response to sanctions from Canada against Russian nationals.
- Louis Allwood
Putin burns gas while families face crippling energy bill hikes
Satellite pictures revealed Vladimir Putin is burning £8.4million of unused gas every day – while families face crippling energy bill hikes.
Massive orange flames are seen shooting into the sky at a natural gas plant after Russia shut the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Europe.
International gas prices rocketed after Russia invaded Ukraine, and spiked again after it shut off the undersea pipeline.
Households across Europe face potential blackouts and energy rationing, while today the UK price cap almost doubled.
- Louis Allwood
Russia considers doubling fines for 'LGBT propaganda'
Russia is considering doubling fines for exposing children to what it calls "LGBT propaganda" and making any event or act seen as promoting homosexuality an administrative offence, the text of proposed new legislation made public on Wednesday showed.
Russia's existing "gay propaganda" law, passed in 2013, bans any person or entity from promoting homosexual relationships to children, though lawmakers argued in July the law should be extended to include adults as well.
Lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein said: "Currently, liability only applies to LGBT propaganda among children. My colleagues on the committee and I would like to extend it to any propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations, regardless of age."
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