A former UK defence secretary, has been called a “terrorist) by Russian government.
A former UK defence secretary, has been called a “terrorist” by Russian government.
Moscow targets Ben Wallace in latest diplomatic tirade
The Russian government has declared former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace a “terrorist” and called for his arrest.
The accusations comes after Wallace’s outspoken remarks at a recent international defence summit.
The remark triggered a full-scale Kremlin media attack on an already-tense relationsship between London and Moscow.
Kremlin’s pattern of personalized attacks
Wallace, is just the latest Western figure to face public criticism from Russia.
Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron have previously faced criticism from Moscow, often orchestrated through state-controlled media and prominent political figures, loyal to Vladimir Putin.
Outrage stems from Wallace’s Crimea comments
While attending the Warsaw Security Forum, Wallace openly spoked for stronger military pressure on Russia’s control of Crimea.
He urged Western nations to help Ukraine “choke the life out of Crimea” and advocated for German-supplied Taurus missiles, to target the symbolic Kerch Bridge, which he described as “a statue to Putin’s ego.”
Russian state TV fires back
Following Wallace’s comments, Igor Korotchenko, a leading Kremlin military analyst and regular figure on Russian television, lashed out in a fiery broadcast.
“I believe a decision is necessary to recognise this politician as a terrorist and extremist,” he said.
“This must be done quickly, decisively and rigidly.”
Russia seeks international arrest
Korotchenko intensified his remarks, insisting Wallace should be handed over, if he sets foot in any cooperative third nation.
“So that if an opportunity arises to capture him… he would be taken to Russia, convicted and sentenced as a terrorist,” the analyst said on air.
Wallace’s long military and political career
Ben Wallace, served as the UK’s defence secretary from July 2019 to August 2023.
Before entering politics, he was a captain in the Scottish Guards.
He spent nearly two decades as the MP for Wyre and Preston North before stepping down, at the last election to pursue other interests.
Part of a broader propaganda blitz
The Kremlin’s criticism of Wallace aligns with its broader propaganda campaign, painting NATO leaders and EU figures as existential threats.
These verbal tensions, are often broadcast on Russian state media, in highly charged segments designed to stir domestic support.
Heightened fears of escalation
The incident adds to a growing list of confrontations, with Russia recently issuing nuclear threats against the UK and blaming NATO for territorial provocation.
Analysts warn that such statements, could increase the risk of miscalculation between the nuclear powers.
UK government yet to respond
As of now, there has been no official comment from the UK Foreign Office or Ministry of Defence, regarding the Russian accusations.
There has been no indication yet of any diplomatic move to counter the Kremlin’s inflammatory statements.
Backdrop of broader UK-Russia hostility
The personal nature of the Kremlin’s attack on Wallace highlights the fragile state of UK-Russia relations
With rising concerns over hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, and disinformation, the targeting of individuals like Wallace, underscores the Kremlin’s willingness to weaponise rhetoric in its geopolitical standoff.
This article is made and published by Sarah Christensen, which may have used AI in the preparation
