Kathrine Frich
“I can’t understand why the British have gone mad,” Solovyov said on air.
“I can’t understand why the British have gone mad,” Solovyov said on air.
Urges Scottish Independence in Bizarre Broadcast
A Kremlin-backed television host has sparked outrage after calling on Scottish nationalists to “fight for their independence” in a mocking segment aimed at the UK.
The broadcast marks a new low in Russia’s propaganda war, with state media escalating bizarre and aggressive rhetoric against Britain and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“Break Free” from English Rule
Vladimir Solovyov, one of Russia’s most notorious media figures and a vocal Putin loyalist, turned to English on air to deliver a theatrical message:
“Scottish people, you have to fight for your independence. These English colonisers have no business on Scottish soil.”
His statement, delivered with a smirk, was quickly echoed by fellow propagandist Andrey Sidorov, who added that the Welsh should also “break free.”
Stirring Division in the UK
While the remarks may sound absurd, analysts see them as a deliberate attempt by the Kremlin to exploit domestic political tensions in Western countries.
The United Kingdom, a key ally of Ukraine, has faced long-standing debates over Scottish independence and devolution in Wales, making them easy targets for rhetorical sabotage.
The Mockery of Starmer
Solovyov didn’t stop at Scottish independence.
He mocked UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent Strategic Defence Review, which outlined significant new investments in Britain’s nuclear deterrent and military posture in response to Russian aggression.
“I can’t understand why the British have gone mad,” Solovyov said on air. “Where do they want to clash with us? Do they think we’ve already landed in the Thames and are storming Westminster Abbey?”
Attacking Starmer’s Military Credentials
Solovyov ridiculed Starmer’s lack of military background, noting:
“He never served in the army. He had no basic military training at school.”
The segment seemed designed to paint the UK leader as weak and unqualified to confront Russia on the global stage.
Kremlin Allies Echo the Threat
Joining the tirade was political scientist Dmitry Evstafiev, who darkly warned that if Starmer’s defence strategy leads to direct military conflict with Russia,
“They will all be dead.”
Such language has drawn condemnation for its overtly threatening tone, raising concerns about the escalation of nuclear rhetoric from Moscow.
Nuclear Posturing and Strategic Paranoia
Solovyov’s outburst followed the UK’s unveiling of a multi-billion-pound defence expansion that included bolstering nuclear readiness.
His comments, backed by vague allusions to radiation and “clashing militaries”, show Russia’s growing anxiety over NATO cohesion and British leadership in support of Ukraine.
Moscow’s New Soft Power Weapon
Experts say Moscow is increasingly turning to psychological and information warfare as battlefield losses mount.
By attacking Starmer, mocking UK institutions, and appealing to separatist sentiments, Russia aims to destabilize trust in Western unity, even if the propaganda appears cartoonish.